This week’s Saturday slate includes a couple under the radar matchups with possible playoff implications in each. The winner of Bengals @ Steelers might be in a sneaky good spot to steal the 7th seed in the AFC. Although the Bills are hot, they’ll need to avoid an obvious trap game to continue their race for the AFC East division title. With so much on, be sure to check each game’s injury report carefully. Good luck to those still in your fantasy playoffs!
Bengals @ Steelers Injury Report
Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase: A separated shoulder will hold out one of the best receivers in the league. With how good Jake Browning has been, he still has enough around him to pull out a win against the 27th-ranked defense in the league. Tee Higgins has been popping as of late and will continue to do so. Expect a larger target share for Tyler Boyd and Tanner Hudson as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Minkah Fitzpatrick: The Steelers will be missing their secondary leader this week while he recovers from a knee injury. He’s continued to show why he’s one of the best safeties in the league, with elite tackling grades from PFF. This is the worst-case scenario for Pittsburgh, as all their safety depth is hurt. As of right now, it looks like Patrick Peterson will be forced to step in at free safety. His capabilities in that spot are completely unknown. Expect 2-3 deep shots to Tee Higgins against him.
Kenny Pickett: An ankle injury will continue to keep the Steelers’ starting quarterback out. However, instead of Mitch Trubisky, it’ll be Mason Rudolph who hasn’t appeared in a game since 2021. Although we have no idea what to expect from Rudolph, he can’t be much worse than Trubisky. With the Bengals’ inability to stop the run, Pittsburgh’s offense should be mainly run-based. Expect 25-30 carries for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren if they don’t fall behind by more than two possessions.
Bills @ Chargers Injury Report
Buffalo Bills
Micah Hyde: A neck injury will again keep Buffalo’s starting free safety out. Even in 2023, Hyde is still one of the better safeties in the league. It’ll be Taylor Rapp taking his spot again this week. While not as good in coverage as Hyde, he has shown to be a better tackler. It shouldn’t matter that much since Easton Stick is starting. Stick likely won’t throw a ton of deep balls, so look out for check downs to Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett.
Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen: A heel injury will continue to keep LA’s best offensive player out. He’d be a huge asset for new starter Easton Stick. Instead, he’ll have to rely on Josh Palmer as his No. 1 target. Expect an increased target share for Palmer, as well as Gerald Everett and Quentin Johnston.
Joey Bosa: While he was rumored to come back this week, he won’t. A foot injury will ensure Bosa doesn’t return against the Bills. His presence would’ve been a huge boost for LA’s defensive line, as Buffalo’s offensive line is morphing into one of the better units in the entire league. Without Bosa, expect a pretty clean pocket for Josh Allen tomorrow night.
Deane Leonard: Although not officially ruled out, a heel injury has the Chargers’ No. 2 corner listed as doubtful. Essang Bassey will start in his place. He hasn’t been that bad as of late. He’ll be going against Gabe Davis who’s been extremely quiet over the last few weeks. Davis is a real boom-or-bust guy this week. I could easily see him going off in a fairly uncompetitive game this week.