Tag: james conner

Behind enemy lines: Bills Q&A preview with Steelers Wire

The Bills visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 at Heinz Field. To learn more about Sunday’s opponent, Bills Wire spoke to Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire’s managing editor, to learn more about the Steelers: 

The Bills visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 at Heinz Field. To learn more about Sunday’s opponent, Bills Wire spoke to Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire’s managing editor, to learn more about the Steelers:

Who is this man Duck and what can you tell us about his game?

He’s just your normal undrafted rookie FCS quarterback who is leading his team into the playoffs. Honestly, he’s far exceeded any reasonable expectations. He’s athletic and confident and has a really strong arm. He’s got a great grasp of the offense and the guys play hard for him.

JuJu Smith-Schuster & James Conner might play n this one. How big of an impact will those two potentially make on this game?

Count me among those who aren’t terribly excited to have those guys just fall into starting jobs when they are healthy. Part of the reason the offense is playing better is the guys have chemistry. I don’t want to see that disrupted.

Note: Smith-Schuster has been ruled OUT by the Steelers on Friday.

Bring us back to the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade. Compare how it was viewed at the time to now?

At the time it looked like the Steelers might have overpaid because Pittsburgh was eyeing a Top 5 pick to some. But the team’s improvement has been too significant for anyone to criticize. Fitzpatrick is playing as well as any defensive back in the league and is the key reason this defense has improved so much.

This Steelers front-seven seems pretty legit. How can they be beat?

If I were trying to move the ball on the Steelers front seven, I’d run run at them. With Stephon Tuitt out, the middle of the defensive line is more about rushing the passer than it is defending the run. I wouldn’t try to get wide because they are too fast. As far as passing the ball, crossing routes seem to be the best way to confuse the linebackers in coverage. But if you don’t do it quick that pass rush can do work.

Finally, what’s your prediction for Sunday?

I originally thought Buffalo would be too much offense for the Steelers to keep up with. But with each week that Hodges plays better the gap closes. And with the game being in Pittsburgh and in prime time, I’m leaning to Pittsburgh, team of destiny. Steelers 24, Bills 17.

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Bills at Steelers: 5 matchups to watch

Five matchups to watch during the Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15 meeting on Sunday Night Football.

The Bills and Steelers faceoff in a Sunday Night Football contest with massive AFC playoff implications.

With both teams at 9-4 and 8-5, respectively, both also hold the two Wild Card spots in the conference.

The games, within this game, will make a load of difference across the NFL.

With that, here are five matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills meeting with the Steelers:

Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

WR John Brown vs. CB Joe Haden

Over the course of the last three games, the Bills haven’t gotten good production from John Brown. In the absence of their No. 1 wideout, slot target Cole Beasley has continually stepped up. In Brown’s last three games combined, he has eight catches for 91 yards. That’s not very good for a guy who was once leading the AFC in receiving yards. The only thing that salvaged three games ago against the Broncos was a late touchdown.

On the outside, Brown will likely draw cornerback Joe Haden. The former Brown is Pro Football Focus’ 27th best corner in the NFL this season, via their grading system. The Steelers also have some impressive safeties over the top, namely Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has five interceptions, so getting Brown involved in this one might be difficult.

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Steelers’ QB Devlin Hodges says ducks play better in cold

The Bills will face a mostly unknown commodity at quarterback on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in quarterback Devlin Hodges.

The Bills will face a mostly unknown commodity at quarterback on Sunday against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges.

The all-time leader in passing yards in the FCS level of college football, Hodges played for Samford University in Alabama before suited up for the black and gold this season. He signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2019 NFL draft.

That hasn’t stopped the Kimberly, Ala., native from starting his career with a surprising 3-0 record, though. But this week in the Bills he faces something he hasn’t often faced down south. The cold.

The longterm weather forecast shows a high of 37 and a low of 26 on Sunday so look for the temps to fall somewhere in between.

Playing off his nickname this week, which is “Duck,” the quarterback downplayed the idea of playing in the winter weather up north.

“We’ve had some cold days back home, obviously a little different. Just something to adjust to,” Hodges said. “Usually ducks like it when it’s a little colder anyway, so sounds good.”

But on a more serious note, Hodges knows the real test he’ll face this week is in the Bills defense. Currently the No. 4 defense in the league just behind the Bills, Hodges did defeat the Chargers earlier this year. But he wasn’t overly impressive as he only had 132 passing yards and his touchdown pass was a dump off to running back James Conners which he took 20-plus yards for a score. Having said that, the Bills themselves will respect Hodges’ abilities, but like he said, he’s doing the same for Buffalo’s defense.

“[Buffalo’s defense is] just a solid group. They’ve got really good players just all around, I don’t know if there’s anything they do that’s special, they’re just one of those solid, solid defenses that comes each and every week,” Hodges said.

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Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers sports betting odds and lines, with Week 15 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Buffalo Bills (9-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) were flexed into the Sunday Night Football spot and they’ll meet at 8:20 p.m. ET at Heinz Field. We analyze the Bills-Steelers sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 15 matchup.

Bills at Steelers: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bills will lean upon their suffocating defense, looking to shut down the Steelers. Buffalo ranks third in the NFL in total yards allowed (296.8), third in passing yards allowed (191.5) and second in points allowed (16.3).
  • Buffalo ranks fifth in the NFL with 135.3 rushing yards per game, but is just 27th in passing yards at 206.6 per outing.
  • The Steelers are also stout defensively, ranking fifth in the NFL with 310.9 total yards allowed and 209.8 passing yards allowed. They’re also ninth against the run, yielding 101.2 yards per game, and they’re sixth in the NFL in points allowed at 18.6.
  • Offensively it has been a struggle for the Steelers, checking in 28th with 290.1 total yards per game, and 31st in passing yards (195.5). They have managed just 19.9 PPG to rank 23rd
  • The Bills are 6-0-1 ATS in the past seven on the road, and 4-1-1 ATS in the past six overall.
  • The Steelers are 5-1 ATS in the past six overall, while going 5-1 ATS in the past six at home.
  • Buffalo is making its first appearance on SNF since facing the New England Patriots during the 2007 season.

Bills at Steelers: Key injuries

Bills: DT Corey Liuget (lower body) is a question mark, while RB T.J. Yeldon (illness) is under the weather.

Steelers: RBs James Conner (shoulder) and Jaylen Samuels (groin) are question marks, with Conner likely closer to a return. WR Juju Smith-Schuster (knee) is close to a return, while TE Vance McDonald (concussion) is in the protocol and a question mark.

Bills at Steelers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Steelers 20, Bills 16

Moneyline (?)

The STEELERS (-129) have the advantage since they’re playing at home, but that’s about it. This is a coin-flip game with major AFC playoff implications. That’s why NBC flexed it to SNF. The difference in this one will be if Conner and Smith-Schuster both return. If so, advantage Pittsburgh on its home turf in front of a raucous crowd. Even if one or both cannot go, coach Mike Tomlin is doing an exceptional job with the personnel he has, and the Steelers are just finding ways to win.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucs moneyline returns a $7.75 profit with a Pittsburgh victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The STEELERS (-2.5, -106) are worth a small-unit play at home, again, especially if Conner and/or Smith-Schuster return. The bright lights of SNF might be a bit much for QB Josh Allen and the unproven Bills.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The O/U of 36.5 (-106 Over; -1115 Under) is risky business, as both of these teams feature tremendous defensive units with unproven quarterbacks and a solid run game when healthy. If anything, the lean is to the Under, although this is the lowest game on the Week 15 board. Take a pass on the total.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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5 storylines to watch for during Bills at Steelers

The Buffalo Bills and Steelers will play a big-time, primetime game in Week 15 as the two AFC opponents will faceoff in a pivotal late season contest. 

The Buffalo Bills and Steelers will play a big-time, primetime game in Week 15 as the two AFC opponents will faceoff in a pivotal late season contest.

Sunday Night Football will bear down on the Bills this week, and while Buffalo fell to the Ravens last week, they certainly held their own against the Cowboys during their Thanksgiving primetime showcase.

With that, here are five storylines to follow as the Bills take on the Steelers:

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Playoff implications on Sunday night

As mentioned, the Bills will have to handle their business in front of more eyes than usual this week. Buffalo and Pittsburgh will wrap up the Sunday slate of football at Heinz Field just a short drive from western New York. There should be a decent showing of Bills fans, and the team itself can be confident in their primetime abilities. Not only did they beat the Cowboys on the road, they also did so in the most watched Thanksgiving Day game in a couple of years. A lot of eyes saw that Bills team.

But this time around this one some huge playoff implications. The 8-5 Steelers host the 9-4 Bills. A win and the Bills are in. A win and the Steelers jump the Bills and hit the first Wild Card spot. For head-to-head purposes and their own fates, this game is massive for both sides.

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7 things to know about the Bills’ Week 15 opponent, the Steelers

Seven things to know about the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Buffalo Bills’ Week 15 opponent.

The Bills earned another primetime football slot this season in their Week 15 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will take place on Sunday Night Football.

Like any late-season AFC battle for a team with a winning record, this one is important. Win and the Bills are in the playoffs. But the Steelers have plenty of reason to fight, too.

With that, here are seven things to know about the Bills’ Week 15 opponent, the Steelers:

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Hot streak puts Pitt in Wild Card battle

Sure, the Bills are in the Wild Card battle. But so are the Steelers.

After a 0-3 start to the season, the Steelers have gotten red hot and at the right time. No easy late games for the Bills, apparently.

Pittsburgh has won seven of their last eight games at sit with eight wins overall, right behind the Bills, who have nine. With that in mind, the Steelers enter the game as the second Wild Card holder in the AFC, with the Bills holding the first one. The winner will hold the fifth-seed in the playoffs after this one. For Buffalo a win will lock up a playoff berth with two games remaining as well.

Included in that hot streak is a promising record on their home turf, too. The Steelers are 5-2 at home this season.

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Steelers final injury report: RB James Conner, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster out

They will miss their third game in a row for the Steelers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released their final injury report of the week on Friday. They will be without two starters on offense, but they were mostly expected.

Ruled out

  • RB James Conner (shoulder)
  • WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee)

Conner was limited for the third day in a row, but he told reporters himself that he would not play this weekend and that his practice reps were only with the scout team.

Smith-Schuster sat out all three days of practice. Both are missing their third straight game.

No one else on the roster has a game designation and no one else was even limited in practice on Friday with an injury. Linebacker Mark Barron was listed as limited but it was a partial day off.

The Cardinals and Steelers kick off at State Farm Stadium Sunday afternoon at 2:25 p.m. Arizona time.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Steelers injury report: James Conner out, JuJu Smith-Schuster misses 2nd day in a row

Check out the practice report for the Steelers from Thursday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released their second injury report of the week on Thursday. It appears they will be without two of their offensive starters this weekend.

Two players sat out of practice on Thursday and another was limited.

Did not practice

  • G Ramon Foster (day off)
  • WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee)

JuJu missed practice for the second day in a row, making it less likely that he is able to play against the Cardinals.

Limited

  • RB James Conner (shoulder)

Conner is getting limited work but revealed he is only getting some reps with the scout team. He ruled himself out of the game this weekend.

WR Diontae Johnson (illness) was upgraded from limited on Wednesday to practicing fully Thursday.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Steelers RB James Conner rules himself out, says he will not play vs. Cardinals

The only work in practice he has gotten has been with the scout team.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not release their official final injury report until after practice on Friday. However, we do know the game status of running back James Conner because he broke the news himself.

He told reporters on Thursday he would not play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

He has missed the last two weeks with a shoulder injury.

He has, though gotten limited work in practice this week, both on Wednesday and Thursday. He clarified what practice work that was, indicating that he is feeling “a little better.”

“I’ve been able to take little reps with the scout team,” he said. “I don’t want take any of game reps from some of the guys that are going to be active. It’s nice to just get out there and run around, though.”

He wouldn’t commit to being able to play in the weeks to go. “I don’t want to look that far ahead,” he said.

Conner is the Steelers’ leading rusher with 390 yards and four touchdowns.

With Conner out, the Steelers will use Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels at running back. Snell has had 161 yards in the last two weeks.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Steelers vs. Cardinals: No James Conner this week

The Steelers will be without their top running back again this week.

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Despite getting some practice reps in this week, Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner will miss another week with his ongoing shoulder injury. The Steelers take on the Arizona Cardinals this week on the road.

Conner told the press he won’t play on Sunday but the team’s official game status report will come out on Friday.

This season has been a wash for Conner after making the Pro Bowl last year. Conner only has 390 rushing yards for the season and this will be his fifth missed game of the year.

With Conner out again, it will be a heavy dose of Benny Snell Jr. and Jaylen Samuels powering the run game. The entire Steelers offense has struggled this season but with games against the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens coming up, it would be better to have a 100 percent Conner in those games.

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