3 X-factors on the Bills offense at the Steelers in Week 13

3 X-factors on the Bills offense at the Steelers in Week 13Story byNick Wojton, USA TODAYSat, November 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM UTC·1 min read

The Buffalo Bills and their "X-factors" continue their 2025 NFL season with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road on Sunday in Week 13.

While game plans, coaching, and strategy will play a part, but sometimes a big emphasis will sit with some individual players. In terms of the offensive side of the ball, who could those be?

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Here are Bills Wire's three potential X-factors on the Bills (7-4) offense against the Steelers (6-5):

WR Khalil Shakir

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 20: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Dare Ogunbowale #33 of the Houston Texans during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on November 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Shakir is fresh off catching eight passes for 110 yards last week from Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Because of the injuries to Buffalo's offensive line, he might be counted on a lot again since Allen could need to get the ball out quick.

OL Ryan Van Demark

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (74) warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Speaking of those injuries, both of Buffalo's starting tackles on the O-line are out. Dion Dawkins (concussion) and Spencer Brown (shoulder) are injured.

Van Demark will be part of the solution for the Bills on the end of their O-line. He'll probably see a lot of TJ Watt, one of the NFL's best pass rushers in recent years. He once again leads Pittsburgh with seven sacks.

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RB James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) slips tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Myles Jack (16).

Using Cook successfully will help the passing game as well.

Adding to Cook's importance: The Steelers have missed the second-most tackles in the NFL this season. Cook could have a big game.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 3 X-factors on the Bills offense at the Steelers in Week 13

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