Running back Christian McCaffrey isn’t letting the negativity about the San Francisco 49ers get to him, despite two consecutive losses bringing their record below .500.
“The atmosphere outside this locker room is likely much more negative than it is inside,” McCaffrey said this week about the 49ers. Despite being tied with the Los Angeles Rams for last place in the NFC West, they are just one game behind division leaders Seattle and Arizona.
“Our team is motivated,” he said. “We still have everything ahead of us, and we’re ready to push forward.”
Their readiness will be put to the test on Sunday night as the 49ers travel East for the third time in four weeks, this time to face the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills (9-2).
For a team needing a strong late-season surge to secure a playoff spot — and potentially return to the Super Bowl — San Francisco faces several hurdles. They are contending with injuries to key players and the looming threat of a lake-effect snowstorm that could disrupt their game plan.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is set to return after sitting out last week’s 38-10 loss to Green Bay due to a sore throwing shoulder. However, the 49ers will be without five starters, including standout pass rusher Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle).
Meanwhile, the Buffalo area is bracing for a lake-effect storm warning, with forecasts calling for 20 to 30 inches of snow to fall over a 12 to 16-hour period starting Saturday.
“You have to be prepared for anything, just as you do with injuries,” said coach Kyle Shanahan. “We’re well aware of what the conditions could be.”
Although the weather will affect both teams equally, the Bills are more accustomed to snowy games. Over the past two years, they’ve dealt with three major storms, including one in January that forced the NFL to delay their wild-card playoff victory over Pittsburgh by a day.
“If anyone’s experienced it enough, it’s me,” said Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Despite being from California, Allen played college football at Wyoming. “I feel confident handling whatever weather comes our way.”
The Bills are enjoying an impressive season, boasting their best record through 11 games since 1992. They’ve won six consecutive games, scoring 30 or more points in each of their last five outings. With one more victory, they will secure their fifth straight division title.
Coach Sean McDermott admitted he didn’t anticipate being in position to clinch the AFC East as early as Week 13. However, the Bills’ path was eased when their closest competitor, Miami, fell to Green Bay on Thursday night, dropping to 5-7.
“I don’t think you really think that far ahead,” McDermott said. “I’m certainly grateful for it, and I give credit to the players for how they’ve performed.”
The Bills are coming off a bye week and are showing signs of improved health. Linebacker Matt Milano, who has been sidelined for 14 months with a broken leg and torn biceps, is nearing a potential return.
“Obviously, we feel confident about what we have going on here,” Allen said. “But we’re not in the playoffs yet, the job’s not finished. We’re just focused on finding a way to go 1-0 this week.”
