In Week 15, the Detroit Lions will face off against the Buffalo Bills in what is shaping up to be an exciting matchup that could preview a potential Super Bowl showdown. The Lions are coming off a thrilling victory over the Green Bay Packers, where their offense was on fire despite struggles in the running game. The team posted 34 points, with Jared Goff leading an efficient offensive attack, moving the ball down the field with ease. On the defensive side, however, the Lions allowed 31 points to the Packers, largely due to injuries that decimated their defensive lineup. Fortunately, many of these key players are expected to return for the upcoming game against the Bills.
The Bills, meanwhile, are reeling from a tough loss to the Los Angeles Rams, despite putting up an impressive 42 points. Quarterback Josh Allen had a sensational performance, accounting for six total touchdowns and 424 yards of offense. Despite his efforts, the Bills fell short, and now they’ll look to bounce back against the Lions. This game promises to be closely contested, with either team capable of coming out on top. For the Lions to secure a victory, they’ll need to focus on three key areas.
1. Make Josh Allen One-Dimensional
Josh Allen has proven to be a lethal threat both in the air and on the ground. In the game against the Rams, he rushed for 82 yards and three touchdowns, making plays with his legs at crucial moments. The Lions’ defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, has struggled to contain dual-threat quarterbacks like Allen. In their previous game against Green Bay, the Lions allowed 23 rushing yards to quarterback Jordan Love, which was a season-high for him. With several key defensive players returning this week, the Lions will need to focus on limiting Allen’s ability to make plays with his legs.
To maximize their chances of winning, the Lions must force Allen to beat them strictly as a passer, containing him in the pocket and preventing him from escaping for big gains on the ground. By limiting his mobility, Detroit can make Allen less dangerous, and make it more difficult for the Bills’ offense to sustain long drives. Keeping him one-dimensional will be crucial to disrupting Buffalo’s game plan and improving the Lions’ odds of winning.
2. Get the Running Game Back on Track
Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have been pivotal to the Lions’ offensive success this season, but both players had subpar performances in their win against the Packers. Combined, they rushed for fewer than 60 yards and averaged just 3.2 yards per carry. For Detroit to continue their offensive dominance and put up points against the Bills, they’ll need a stronger showing from their backfield.
Fortunately for the Lions, Buffalo’s defense has struggled to stop the run throughout the season, allowing an average of 4.7 yards per carry. In recent weeks, opposing teams have found success running the ball against the Bills, which presents a great opportunity for the Lions to bounce back. If Detroit can establish a successful ground game and keep the Bills’ defense on its heels, it will not only help them control the clock but also set up the play-action passing game, giving Goff more opportunities to move the ball down the field. Capitalizing on these run game opportunities will be key for the Lions in securing a win.
3. Avoid Emotional Decisions and Make Smart Coaching Calls
One of the most notable aspects of the Lions’ recent games has been head coach Dan Campbell’s aggressive approach on fourth downs. Against the Packers, the Lions went for it on five occasions, converting four of them. However, one of those attempts—going for it inside their own 30-yard line while up by just three points in the third quarter—resulted in a turnover on downs, which allowed the Packers to score a touchdown. While the Lions were able to overcome this particular risk, it highlighted the potential dangers of relying on gut feelings rather than calculated decision-making.
Throughout the season, Campbell has occasionally made fourth-down calls driven more by emotion than reason, sometimes leading to unfavorable outcomes. If the Lions want to continue their successful season and improve to 13-1, Campbell must ensure that his decisions are based on sound strategy rather than emotion. Going for a fourth down in their own territory, especially with a slim lead, is a risky move that could backfire in a high-stakes game like this one. Maintaining emotional control and making smarter coaching decisions, particularly in crucial situations, will be crucial for the Lions as they face a tough opponent like the Bills.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills are both among the top teams in the NFL this season, and a potential Super Bowl matchup between them is looking increasingly likely. The Lions are coming into this game healthier, with key defensive players returning, which will give them a legitimate shot at securing a win. On the other side, Josh Allen will be looking to put up another stellar performance and lead the Bills to an upset against a red-hot Detroit team.
The Lions’ offense will need to continue performing at a high level, particularly in the running game, while the defense must focus on containing Allen and preventing him from doing damage with his legs. Additionally, head coach Dan Campbell must ensure that his decisions are driven by logic and strategy, rather than emotion, to avoid costly mistakes that could swing the game in Buffalo’s favor. While this matchup could go either way, the Lions have the tools to come out on top in what should be an exciting and competitive game.
