In Week 13, the San Francisco 49ers are headed to Buffalo to face the Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, December 1, at 8:20 PM ET. The 49ers haven’t been doing so hot lately, sitting at 5-6, and they’re on a two-game losing streak. Their last game was indeed not a good one, a 38-10 beatdown by the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. Meanwhile, the Bills are having a great season at 9-2. They’re feeling pretty good after winning their sixth straight game with a 30-21 win over the Super Bow contenders Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Buffalo Bills: Head To Head Stats
The 49ers and Bills have played each other 13 times, and it’s been a pretty close rivalry. The Bills are just ahead, winning 7 of those games to the Niners’ 6. It’s not one of the most talked-about rivalries, but every time they play, there are some fun moments.
Lately, the Bills have had the edge. They beat the 49ers 34-24 in 2020, and before that, they smoked them 45-16 back in 2016. The Bills even had a 41-7 win in 2004. But don’t sleep on the 49ers—they’ve had some big wins, too, like when they crushed Buffalo 45-3 in 2012 or shut them out 35-0 in 2001. It’s been a pretty even mix of wins and losses between them.
There’ve also been some close, down-to-the-wire games, like in 1992 when the Bills barely got by with a 34-31 win. The Niners won 27-17 in 1995, and they also won 23-10 in 1983. It’s a rivalry that’s been around for a while, and even if the games aren’t always high-profile, you know it’s going to be competitive every time these two face off.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Buffalo Bills: Probable Starting Lineup
Here’s a look at the 49ers’ starting lineup: At quarterback, it’s Brandon Allen. Running back is Christian McCaffrey, with Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings as the starting wide receivers. George Kittle is locked in at tight end, and Jaylen Moore takes the spot at offensive tackle.
For the Bills, Josh Allen leads the offense as quarterback, while James Cook is the starting running back. Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir are the wide receivers, and Dawson Knox holds down the tight end. Dion Dawkins is the offensive tackle on their line.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Buffalo Bills: Injuries Update
For the Bills, a bunch of guys are dealing with injuries, but most are still practicing. Tight end Quintin Morris has a shoulder issue, and defensive end Casey Toohill has a knee problem, but they’re both good to go in practice. The same goes for linebacker Dorian Williams, who’s also dealing with a knee injury but is still participating. A few other guys like Spencer Brown (ankle) and Reggie Gilliam (hip) are all good to go, too. Keon Coleman, the wide receiver, has a wrist issue but is only limited in practice. Some other big names like Amari Cooper (wrist) and Curtis Samuel (pectoral) are practicing fine, though. On the other hand, Dalton Kincaid (knee) hasn’t been participating, which is something to keep an eye on.
The 49ers have a few injuries, too. Renardo Green (neck) and Kevin Givens (groin) are limited, while Trent Williams (ankle), Deommodore Lenoir (knee), and some others like Jordan Elliott (concussion) and Nick Bosa (hip) aren’t practicing at all. Bosa, who’s had a monster season with 7 sacks, is a big loss if he’s out. Christian McCaffrey (rest) is good to go. Brock Purdy (shoulder) is limited but still throwing well. Some other guys like Aaron Banks (concussion) and Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) are also limited, but Greenlaw’s a big piece of their defense. It’s a lot of moving parts, but most guys are still out there practicing and getting ready.