In what promises to be an electrifying matchup, the Detroit Lions will face off against the Buffalo Bills in this week's Game of the Week. With both teams heading into this contest with high expectations, the stage is set for an intense battle between two of the league's most dynamic offenses. The Lions, riding a wave of confidence with a potent offense and solid defense, will look to make a statement against the Bills, who are determined to maintain their status as the AFC's top contender. Fans are in for a thrilling encounter as these two powerhouse teams collide in a showdown that could have a possible Super Bowl preview.
Game Information
Time: 4:25pm EST
Where: Ford Field
Broadcasters: CBS
Lions injury report: DT D.J. Reader (QUESTIONABLE), DT Alim McNeil (QUESTIONABLE)
Bills injury report: CB Rasul Douglas (QUESTIONABLE), S Taylor Rapp (QUESTIONABLE)
Betting Odds
Spread favorite: Lions (-2.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-145), Bills (+120)
Total: 54.5 points
Detroit Lions
Offense
The Lions' offense in their last game against the Packers came out guns blazing, most notably WR Tim Patrick, who had two receiving touchdowns, his first pair since 2021 due to injury setbacks. QB Jared Goff also had a good day, throwing for 283 yards and three touchdowns. The number of weapons the Lions have on this offense is deadly. I won't even mention the one-two-punch running back combo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, with the two having 51 and 43 yards on the ground, respectively. I will also throw in kicker Jack Bates' name in there, who looks like a prime Justin Tucker. Bates has proven he can come in clutch for the team with another game-winning field goal last week. It has become a common theme for Lions fans to breathe easy and just shut off the TV when Bates comes onto the field because they are that confident he will nail it through the uprights. An outstanding performance by this offense to get the win last week against a rival team.
Defense
With the injuries piling up, the Lions' defense has managed to dig deep in the trenches and get the necessary stops. Last week, DE Za'Darius Smith picked up a sack, and CB David Long Jr had a forced fumble on WR Christian Watson. LB Jack Campbell led the way in tackles with 11 total. While Packers RB Josh Jacobs did pick up three touchdowns, the Lions' defense managed to stop the Packers from taking a lead and made sure to pressure Jordan Love extensively. The run defense is an issue for this team, but being able to hold off a playoff contender team in the Packers from taking the lead is still impressive, considering the Lions' injuries. But this defense will now face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, who they might see again in the Super Bowl. The defense must dig even deeper in the trenches to pull out of this one.
Buffalo Bills
Offense
This Bills offense is an interesting one and hear me out on this. They have games where QB Josh Allen just goes nuclear and has a spectacular performance that puts him at the top of the MVP conversation. Then there are games where this offense just doesn't come to play but still manages to win games. I'm not saying the Bills offense isn't good, I'm saying that they are inconsistent. Currently ranked 12th in passing offense with an average 229.3 yards thrown through the air a game, it's pretty average on what they can do offensively. Rushing game as well, sitting at 11th with an average 125.7 yards on the ground a game. Here is the eyebrow raising part though: The Bills are 2nd in scoring offense with 49 total touchdowns, sitting right behind the Lions 51 total touchdowns. One thing is for sure, this Bills offense knows how to get in the endzone no matter where the ball is going. After coming off a loss to the Rams in a shootout game, this offense is definitely coming to Detroit with a vengeance.
Defense
This defense of the Bills is another interesting one; they excel in the passing defense and are below average against the rush. Ranking 9th in the passing defense, holding opponents to an average 208.9 yards through the air, the Bills would be more reliant on the lions throwing the football. But this just isn't the case for a team that knows its strengths and has shown in the past to focus more on the rush with their two backs rather than the pass. This is where the Bill's suffer, with their rushing defense ranking 19th in the league, letting up an average 123.1 yards on the ground. Against this Lions team with the best running back combo in the league, this does not bode well for the Bills if that's where the game will be played the most.
Final Verdict
This game could be a shootout, or a blowout. Either way, the Lions will take this one. They should capitalize on the Bills struggles defending the rush and use their two backs consistently in the game. Defense will struggle against Josh Allen, but so long as the Lions stick to this gameplan, they should win this one by a margin.
Final Score: 35-14 Lions
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