On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions are set to collide in what could be a preview of the Super Bowl. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Over 53.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Bills vs. Lions
Sunday, December 15, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Ford Field
Los Angeles Stuns Buffalo
Matthew Stafford’s late-game heroics helped the Rams edge out the Bills 44-42, ending Buffalo’s seven-game win streak on Sunday. Despite the loss, Josh Allen delivered a historic performance, becoming the first NFL player ever to tally three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in the same game.
Allen amassed 342 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding 82 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.
Buffalo’s offense was electric, scoring 42 points—the most ever in franchise history in a losing effort. Alongside Allen’s brilliance, Khalil Shakir hauled in five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, while James Cook contributed 20 rushing yards on six carries. The Bills’ 902 combined yards with the Rams highlighted their offensive explosiveness but also exposed vulnerabilities in their defense.
Detroit Keeps Rolling
The Lions extended their franchise-record win streak to 11 with a 34-31 victory over the Packers on December 5. Jared Goff threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, including two on fourth-and-goal situations. Head coach Dan Campbell’s aggressive play-calling stood out, as the Lions converted five fourth-down attempts, including a crucial 4th-and-1 run by David Montgomery to set up Jake Bates’ game-winning 35-yard field goal.
Detroit’s offense was balanced and historic, with six players recording at least five receptions—a first in NFL history. Montgomery led the ground game with 51 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 43 yards on 15 attempts. Goff’s connection with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tim Patrick, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta has made the Lions’ passing attack one of the league’s most diverse and efficient.
Keys to the Game
Allen’s dual-threat capabilities will test Detroit’s defense, which has thrived under Campbell’s aggressive game plans. After accounting for six touchdowns against the Rams, Allen will look to exploit mismatches in the Lions’ secondary and extend plays with his legs. Detroit must stay disciplined to avoid giving up explosive plays that could shift the momentum in Buffalo’s favor.
Detroit’s tandem of Montgomery and Gibbs has been instrumental in controlling the pace of games, particularly in short-yardage and high-leverage situations. Buffalo’s defensive line must rise to the challenge to slow the Lions’ ground game and force Goff into predictable passing situations.
Goff’s accuracy and efficiency have been key to Detroit’s success. With six reliable targets in the passing game, the Lions can spread out Buffalo’s defense. The Bills’ secondary must focus on containing St. Brown and Williams on deep routes while locking down Patrick and LaPorta in the red zone.
Mistakes could be the deciding factor in this matchup. Neither team committed a turnover in their previous games, but a single miscue could shift the tide. Detroit’s Bates has been clutch with game-winning kicks, while Buffalo’s opportunistic offense thrives on creating chaos and short fields.
NFL Pick
This game promises to be a back-and-forth shootout. Buffalo’s explosive potential, led by Allen’s improvisation and big-play ability, gives them an edge. However, Detroit’s balanced offense and Campbell’s aggressive mindset will ensure they stay in contention until the final whistle of a high-scoring game.
NFL Pick: Over 53.5 (-110) at Bet365
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