The Bills and 49ers last played during the 2020 NFL season
The Buffalo Bills are in the midst of another successful season, sitting at 9-2 and ready to get back on the field fresh off their bye in Week 12. Buffalo’s in the driver’s seat to win its fifth-straight AFC East Championship — which would be a new franchise record. After taking down those Chiefs in Week 11, the Bills are hot on KC’s heels for the AFC’s one seed.
For as much attention and optimism surrounding One Bills Drive, the opposite’s now true for the San Francisco 49ers. At 5-6 and now in the basement of the NFC West, it’s fair to say that this season has become a disappointment for the Niners.
Heading into Week 13, the oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook have the Bills as 6.5-point (-6.5) favorites over the 49ers, with an O/U set at 45.5. While Buffalo is coming off a big win and a much-needed week of rest, San Francisco has lost all room for error, most recently losing 38-10 to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12.
Head coach Sean McDermott has a 7-0 record off bye weeks, with six home wins and one road victory (2023 at Chiefs). The Bills and 49ers last played in 2020, in a game that was moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ due to COVID-19 restrictions in place by the State of California. Buffalo won 34-24, with quarterback Josh Allen going 32-of-40 for 375 yards and four touchdown passes.
It’s anyone’s guess how Sunday will play out, but the game is in Orchard Park, NY and the threat of snow is real. The Niners are in desperate need of a win to avoid falling out of playoff contention altogether.
Quarterback Brock Purdy’s health will be a key situation to monitor this week, and if he can’t go due to a shoulder injury it will once again be Kyle Allen at quarterback. We’ll find out more in the coming days about the Bills’ injury situation, and if the week of rest allows any previously injured players to return this weekend.