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Buffalo Bills Links, 12/10: Josh Allen, Bills facing high expectations

Plus, why future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger thinks Allen is playing like an MVP.

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In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, we look ahead to Buffalo’s (9-3) Week 14 clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1) on Sunday Night Football.

We discuss why quarterback Josh Allen will bear the burden of higher expectations heading into this primetime clash, hear why future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks Allen is playing at an MVP-caliber level, analyze why cornerback Levi Wallace needs to improve his play facing a potent Pittsburgh passing attack, break down all of Buffalo’s playoff-clinching scenarios, explore how head coach Sean McDermott has been more aggressive (and more successful) when going for it on fourth down this year, and much more!


Previewing the Steelers

Vic Carucci: Josh Allen carries higher expectations into another Bills Sunday night showdown vs. Steelers | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
That giddiness cloud on which Bills fans were floating after the team’s previous Sunday night game against Pittsburgh bore no resemblance to the one that has been carrying them since Monday night.

Big Ben lauds Bills’ Josh Allen as ‘MVP caliber quarterback’ | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Count Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger among those impressed with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Bills CB Levi Wallace must bounce back from rough game - Democrat & Chronicle
With Steelers’ potent passing game on tap, Bills CB Levi Wallace is on the spot.

Accolades for Josh Allen

Put Bills’ Josh Allen in your MVP conversation, or stay out of it - newyorkupstate.com
Allen named AFC Player of the Week for third time in 2020 after four TDs vs. San Francisco 49ers.

Bills’ Josh Allen wins AFC offensive player of the week for third time this season | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Allen has 33 total touchdowns on the season, one shy of the franchise record set by Jim Kelly in 1991.

Josh Allen, Bills ‘definitely ready for prime time’ (Week 14 power rankings) - newyorkupstate.com
A look at where national media outlets have the Bills following their win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Josh Allen responds to Rainn Wilson with ‘The Office’ joke - WGR 550
Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared to catch the attention and affection of Rainn Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute on ‘The Office,’ setting up Allen for the perfect response.

Playoff Clinching Scenarios and Playoff Potential

Bills can clinch playoff berth in Week 14 - WGR 550
The Buffalo Bills have the chance to clinch a playoff berth in Week 14 with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, but they will need some help from elsewhere around the NFL.

How Bills can clinch an AFC playoff berth in Week 14 | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
The Bills can clinch an AFC playoff berth in Week 14.

Bills can clinch playoff berth with win vs. Steelers (and a little help) - newyorkupstate.com
Buffalo could clinch a playoff berth for the second consecutive season with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will need some help ahead of their Sunday Night Football matchup, however.

Simms: Bills are now Super Bowl contenders in 2020 - WGR 550
Chris Simms from NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk joined the Howard and Jeremy Show on Wednesday with his thoughts on the Buffalo Bills and if they are true contenders to play in Super Bowl LV this February.

Dan Hanzus: Bills have potential to beat anyone in playoffs - BuffaloBills.com
NFL Network’s Dan Hanzus shares why the Buffalo Bills are No. 5 in Week 14 Power Rankings.

Odds and Ends

Bills’ newfound aggressiveness on offense is paying off – The Athletic
Head coach Sean McDermott has an offense worthy of aggressive calls, especially on fourth downs, and he’s evolving with it. (Subscription required).

Special teams ace Tyler Matakevich’s journey to the Bills – The Athletic
When the Bills prioritized improving their special teams this offseason, Matakevich was at the top of the coaches’ wish list. (Subscription required).

Bills Today | Two Bills land on this general manager names to watch list - BuffaloBills.com
Here are three things to know about the Bills for Thursday, Dec. 10.

Quinton Jefferson out, Andre Roberts limited on Bills’ estimated practice report | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
The Buffalo Bills held a walk-through session Wednesday, but are required to release an injury report as if they had a full practice.

Bills’ “Color Rush” uniforms for game against Steelers revealed | News 4 Buffalo
The Color Rush uniforms were revealed in a short video on Twitter Wednesday morning.

Shoulder surgery sidelines Bills wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins for season | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Hodgins, a sixth-round pick, posted a photo on social media and said, “God’s timing is always perfect! Surgery went well. Time to bounce back.”

Phillips named Bills’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee - WGR 550
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has been named the team’s nominee for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a player for outstanding community service activities off the field and excellence on the field.

Harrison Phillips selected as Buffalo’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee - BuffaloBills.com
The defensive tackle’s contributions include donating meals to healthcare workers and helping provide internet to BPS students.

Featured on Buffalo Rumblings

Revisiting five Buffalo Bills to watch at the San Francisco 49ers (in Arizona) - Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo’s key players came ready to roll on Monday night.

Revisiting five San Francisco 49ers to watch against the Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo was able to shut down San Francisco’s two most explosive players.

Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers: Rookie review - Buffalo Rumblings
Moss learns a valuable lesson, Davis stays consistent.

All-22 analysis: Wide receiver appreciation day - Buffalo Rumblings
Let’s take a look at the wide receiver room, a key component in the Buffalo Bills’ victory over the 49ers.

Playoff Picture: When can the Buffalo Bills clinch the AFC East? - Buffalo Rumblings
The earliest the Bills can clinch the division is Saturday, December 19.

Week 14 NFL power rankings: Buffalo Bills a top-five squad - Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills are up a tad after last night’s impressive victory over the 49ers.

Jamie D & Big Newt: Admit It, the Buffalo Bills Are Good - Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen Prove Critics Wrong on MNF.

One Stat Recap: Josh Allen adds to his list of accomplishments - Buffalo Rumblings
Josh Allen has been transcendent in 2020.

Buffalo Bills mailbag Q&A: Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds, and a great MNF win - Buffalo Rumblings
This Bills team can beat anyone.