Christian Benford’s lockdown performance leads Bills’ defense in Week 13 win

An ugly first half for the Buffalo Bills turned into a lopsided win in Week 13.

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the half with a 7-3 lead in a game that started to get chippy. After the break, Buffalo came out determined to take over.

That happened in a hurry when Joey Bosa sacked Aaron Rodgers and forced a fumble on the first drive of the third quarter. The ball was scooped up by cornerback Christian Benford, who ran it back for a touchdown.

MORE: Bills' defense may have found new leader after win over Steelers

Rodgers had to be evaluated after the hit, missing the ensuing drive for the Steelers. That also ended in a turnover, with Benford picking off an errant pass from Mason Rudolph. The turnovers got Benford plenty of attention, but both were examples of him simply being in the right place at the right time.

While he deserves praise for making each play, it was what he did the rest of the game that stood out. Benford was tasked with following DK Metcalf on Sunday, and he held the explosive wideout to 32 yards on three receptions.

Christian Benford said he shadowed DK Metcalf the whole game, whether the Bills were in man-to-man and zone. Metcalf finished with 3 catches (on 5 targets) for 32 yards.
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) December 1, 2025

Metcalf is a tough assignment for any player to deal with. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, he’s capable of dominating defenders with his size and power. That alone presents challenges, but Metcalf also ran a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest wideouts in the game as well.

Benford was able to stick with him though, proving to be one of the stars for Buffalo in their Week 13 win.

Bills defense took advantage of a banged-up Pittsburgh offense

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

To be fair to Metcalf, there was one factor that helped Benford. Aaron Rodgers came into this game banged up and had a backup at left tackle.

He was dealing with fractures in his non-throwing hand and while he toughed it out, Rodgers wasn’t at his best on Sunday. That said, the Bills had their share of injury concerns, but they were able to overcome theirs and capitalize on the Steelers’ woes.

— Sign up for OnSI’s Free Buffalo Bills Newsletter —

More Buffalo Bills News:

Aaron Rodgers remarks on Josh Allen and 'all the damn commericals he's in'

Elijah Moore reportedly critical of role in Bills' offense prior to being released

Ex-Bills' personnel director says 'just cut Keon Coleman'

Is Josh Allen amongst seven current Bills' players in Hallmark movie cast?