Bills vs Lions:
When: 4:25 PM ET, Thursday, December 15, 2024
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Super Bowl Preview? Bills and Lions Set for Explosive Showdown in Detroit
Don’t be shocked if Sunday’s clash between Buffalo and Detroit serves as a preview of February’s Super Bowl. Both teams are among the NFL’s elite, and this Week 15 matchup has all the ingredients for a high-scoring thriller at Ford Field.
The Bills (10-3) head into Detroit looking to rebound after their seven-game win streak was snapped in a 44-42 loss to the Rams. Despite quarterback Josh Allen delivering a historic performance – becoming the first player in NFL history with three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game – Buffalo’s defense fell flat. The Rams torched the Bills for 457 total yards, scoring on five of six red-zone possessions while Buffalo failed to record a sack or force a turnover.
Head coach Sean McDermott knows his defense must tighten up, or things could unravel quickly against the red-hot Lions.
“We’ve got to get back to good fundamental football,” McDermott said. “It starts with attitude and execution. There are no shortcuts.”
The Lions Roar On
Detroit (12-1) is riding an 11-game winning streak – the longest in franchise history – and leads the NFL in scoring at 32.1 points per game. Quarterback Jared Goff, firmly in the MVP conversation, has been surgical since a rough five-interception outing against Houston. Over his last four games, Goff has thrown nine touchdowns with just one pick, guiding Detroit to a league-best record.
Goff’s focus remains squarely on winning.
“We’re not worried about individual awards,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “MVPs and accolades will come if we keep winning football games.”
The Lions are also getting healthier, particularly on the defensive line. Key pieces Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and D.J. Reader could all return, while lineman Alim McNeill (concussion) and tackle Taylor Decker (knee) have resumed full practices.
Key Matchups to Watch
Josh Allen vs. Detroit’s Defense:
Allen remains one of the most dangerous playmakers in the NFL. Detroit’s defense, despite its recent success, has been vulnerable against mobile quarterbacks. Campbell is fully aware of the challenge.
“Allen is big, strong, fast, and fearless,” Campbell said. “He’s the ultimate competitor, and his team feeds off that energy.”
James Cook’s Role in Buffalo’s Offense:
The Bills need to rediscover their run game after James Cook had just six carries for 20 yards against Los Angeles. Establishing Cook early will help take pressure off Allen and open up play-action opportunities.
Jared Goff vs. Buffalo’s Secondary:
Goff’s precision passing has been critical to Detroit’s success. Buffalo’s secondary has been inconsistent, and without a consistent pass rush, Goff could carve them up.
Potential Fireworks:
Both offenses are built to score, and this matchup features two of the league’s top teams in points per game: Detroit (32.1) and Buffalo (30.5). If Buffalo’s defense doesn’t improve, we could see another shootout.
Betting Insights:
Over/Under Watch: The total points line will be worth monitoring, as this game has clear shootout potential.
Player Props: Look at Josh Allen’s combined passing and rushing yards. He’ll be heavily involved in Buffalo’s game plan.
MVP Race: A big performance here from Allen or Goff could further strengthen their case for MVP honors.
Buffalo and Detroit are two teams with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, and Sunday’s game promises to deliver. Buckle up for what could be the most entertaining game of the week.
