The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 of the 2025 regular season, and there are certain aspects of the game which can be difficult to predict. Of course, the outcome of the game is paramount, but there are players or position groups who could be viewed as X-Factors.

What is an X-Factor? That definition is an important part of this exercise. If I were to give you a player who was the ultimate X-Factor in Steelers history, it would be Troy Polamalu. Polamalu was able to take over a game almost single-handedly. Whether it being a tackle made where he looked like a heat-seeking missile, or a clutch interception. A game could tilt the Steelers’ way because of Troy.

With the definition out of the way, let’s see who are the X-Factors for the Steelers in Week 13 vs. the Bills:

Jeff Hartman

X-Factor: The Running Game

Why: Using the “running game” as an X-Factor might seem like cheating to many, and that’s fine; however, there is a reason I didn’t single out a singular ball carrier. Jaylen Warren might be the RB1 on the depth chart, but he is hardly the bell cow running back. Kenneth Gainwell isn’t just getting utilized, but he’s being effective. The Steelers coaching staff seems hell bent on getting everyone carries, and that now includes Kaleb Johnson too. Nonetheless, whoever is carrying the ball, it will be imperative the team be able to establish the run. With Aaron Rodgers back under center, running the football will help ease the burden on him as he returns to the lineup. The Bills defense is particularly soft against the run, surrendering 148.9 yards per game entering Week 13, which is 30th in the NFL. Establishing the run, and sticking with it, will be the X-Factor for the black-and-gold Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Dave Schofield

X-Factor: Josh Allen’s Spy

Why: The reason I went with this designation and not a specific name is I didn’t want to guess who it would be only to end up being wrong. First, if the Steelers don’t spy Josh Allen, I think it would be a huge mistake. Allen has 10 rushing touchdowns on the season and the Bills are 5-0 in games he rushes for one or more and 2-4 when he does not. Second, I’m hoping the player used to spy Allen is Payton Wilson, but we’ll see what the Steelers end up doing. The Bills have the number one rushing offense in the NFL and Allen is averaging 33.7 rushing yards per game. Keeping him from getting chunk plays in the run game would go a long way in securing a Steelers victory.

Who is your X-Factor for the game? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Bills in the Week 13.