The Detroit Lions (12-1) will host the Buffalo Bills (10-3) on Sunday in Week 15. These two heavyweights from the NFC and AFC are looking to gain momentum in their pursuit of the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and the coveted first-round bye. The Lions are currently 2.5-point favorites. The Bills are coming off a devastating loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where they fell short of a miraculous comeback, while the Lions are coming off of 10 days rest after completing the season sweep of the Green Bay Packers.
Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills Matchup History & Game Excerpts
The Bills hold a 7-4-1 all-time record versus the Lions in which the last time the two teams played, the Bills kicked a game-winning field goal to beat the Lions on Thanksgiving.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell is looking at preparing his guys for their last regular season AFC opponent, and this one is the best team they’ve played all season. He particularly highlighted how the team needs to prepare for Bill quarterback Josh Allen.
“[Josh Allen is] big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s explosive, and he’s competitive,” began Campbell. “He’s got all these attributes, physical attributes, but it’s what’s inside of him. He’s the ultimate competitor. That’s what separates him from a lot of guys.”
At this point in the season, Allen is the front-runner for MVP. Controlling him will be the most important part of a successful day for the Lions.
Ahead of this week’s game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott is just looking for his team, but defense in particular, to get back to playing good, complimentary football. After giving up 44 points to the Rams, a game in which they had no answers for their offense, they are looking to rebound in a significant way against another tough NFC team.
“[The Detroit Lions are a] very talented roster and they’ve done a great job putting that together,” started McDermott. “We’re gonna have a big challenge for us with that, and then also going on the road … I think the No. 1 thing that has worked for me in the past, because we all have those days, right, is to go back and reteach the basics. Go back and re-teach the fundamentals. Go back and re-teach the standards. I think that’s a good place to start.”
This game could show the NFL world what the Bills defense is truly capable of.
Key Players for the Lions
Aside from his game versus the Houston Texans, Jared Goff has been sensational this season. His efficiency and ability to keep drives moving are integral to this offense.
Meanwhile, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery should have great days running the ball, as the Lions should win the battle in the trenches. Also, all of the Lions receiving weapons will be able to feast as run-after catch threats against a potentially injured secondary.
Defensively, the emergence of Al-Quadin Muhammad has been a welcome surprise off the practice squad for the Lions. He has become one of the most efficient pass rushers in the NFL, and his presence has helped the Lions survive the slew of defensive injuries they’ve faced.
With DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, and Alim McNeill all slated to return this week, the Bills offensive line will have difficulty winning reps against this talented unit. Cornerbacks Amik Robertson, Terrion Arnold, and Carlton Davis will have their hands full with the receiving weapons the Bills have and will be tasked with shutting down the Bills passing game in the backend.
Key Players for the Bills
Quarterback Josh Allen is in line to win his first NFL MVP award, and his play on the field supports this. He is often the main factor in their offense, able to move down the field, and his miraculous off-platform and off-script throws make it almost impossible for the defense to stop him.
Running back James Cook is also having a breakout year, bringing some much-needed consistency to the backfield, which they have desperately needed for years. After losing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the Bills opted to fill the hole in the aggregate. By using all their weapons, such as Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Amari Cooper, Dalton Kincaid, and Dawson Knox, this offense is death by 1,000 cuts rather than the past where they beat with you the big plays, which they can still do.
Defensively, the unit ranks slightly above average in both rush and pass defensive efficiency. However, it has the personnel to stop almost any offense in the league. The defensive line is headlined by breakout edge rushers Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa, along with long-time Bills linebacker Matt Milano, making it a formidable unit to run against. Cornerbacks Rasul Douglas, Taron Johnson, and Christian Benford have all had impressive seasons.
Keys for the Lions to Win
Who will win the battle of juggernauts?
The Lions defense ranks in the top-5 of both run and pass defensive EPA/play, while the Bills offense ranks in the top-5 of both run and pass EPA/play. Both these units are top-class and some of the most formidable in the NFL. The team that wins that battle will likely win this game.
For the Lions, they need to create turnovers from Josh Allen. While Allen has cut down on his turnovers this season, he is still prone to fumbles and errant throws.
Generate pass rush to make Josh Allen uncomfortable
Stopping or containing Allen is the best way for the Detroit Lions to win this game. With the emergence of Al-Quadin Muhammad, the Lions have finally found a reliable edge rusher to rush the opposite side of Za’Darius Smith. The Lions should be primed to wreak havoc on this Bills’ offensive line and make Josh Allen uncomfortable early in the game.
Get Jameson Williams involved early
As seen last week and throughout this season, the Bills’ defense struggles with consistency. Getting Jameson Williams involved early in the game gives the offense many more opportunities to open things up for the run game, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta. If the Bills have to dedicate significant coverage help to William in fear of being beaten over the top, the Lions’ run-after-catch specialist receivers will excel.
