The Buffalo Bills (11-3) returned to the win column in spectacular fashion with a 48-42 win against the Detroit Lions (12-2) in Week 15.
Buffalo’s offense was dynamic throughout the game, putting up its highest point total of the season. Various players made major contributions, reinforcing the Bills’ motto, “Everybody eats.”
QB Josh Allen put together another stellar performance to increase his lead in the MVP race. Allen accounted for the Bills first two rushing touchdowns. He would go on to throw for 362 yards and two touchdowns on a 23-of-34 passing day.
Allen added 68 rushing yards on 11 carries as well.
Defensively, it was a bit manic for the Bills. Buffalo was strong against the run, limiting the Lions talent duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to only 35 combined rushing yards.
For the second consecutive week, the Bills defense struggled mightily against the pass. Buffalo gave up nearly 500 passing yards to Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
Still, it was enough to bring home the victory for Buffalo.
Here is Bills Wire’s report card following the win over the Lions:
Pass offense: A+
Early in the game, the Bills made a concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of players who matched up against Detroit’s linebackers. Ty Johnson broke out with a five-catch, 114-yard effort. James Cook had a 28-yard reception. Ray Davis added two catches for 14 yards and a touchdown.
Josh Allen had his way with the Lions. He extended plays, daring the Detroit defense to play man-to-man. Allen threw several magnificent passes, including a bomb to Keon Coleman.
Allen had his highest passing output of the season, throwing for 362 yards.
Nine receivers caught passes from Allen. Khalil Shakir led the way with six receptions, while Johnson totaled the most receiving yards.
Rushing offense: A+
James Cook returned to form after an underwhelming game against the Rams. Cook rushed 20 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Cook broke through and outran the Lions defense to open the scoring in the second half on a 41-yard sprint to the end zone.
Allen supplemented the rush game by running wild when necessary. He rushed 11 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
Rush defense: A
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills defense during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
It was a remarkable effort by the Bills run defense to contain the Lions’ David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs rushed eight times for 31 yards, while Montgomery had five carries for four yards. This was, by far, the lowest total of the season for Detroit. Their previous low was 105 yards in Week 10 against Houston.
For a unit that has been inconsistent against the run this year, it was quite the performance by Buffalo.
The only maddening thing from the game was watching Lions quarterback Jared Goff scamper for a first down. Outside of that, kudos to the Bills commitment to stopping the run.
Pass defense: D-
Ah, this one is tough to explore. The only thing saving the group from an F was that the team did just enough to win.
Jared Goff was forced to throw a great deal while playing from behind. However, it’s always shocking to see 494 passing yards allowed when looking at the box score. Goff went 38-of-59 for 494 passing yards and five touchdown passes.
The Bills saw another No. 1 receiver dominate their secondary. This time, Amon-Ra St. Brown was the culprit, catching 14 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.
Buffalo’s secondary recorded three passes defensed.
Christian Benford made a nice play against St. Brown, forcing a fumble. Kaiir Elam and Taron Johnson recorded deflections in the game as Rasul Douglas did not play due to injury.
Special teams: A-
The special teams unit had a solid game. The group recovered two onside kicks, including one that Mack Hollins almost returned for a touchdown. The final recovery sealed the victory for Buffalo. Taron Johnson battled for what seemed like forever to secure the win for the Bills.
Sam Martin was called upon only once, punting a perfect 51-yard ball deep into Lions territory.
Tyler Bass was something once again. He was successful on all six of his PAT attempts. He made field goals of 41 and 50 yards in length. Bass did, however, miss a short 24-yard field goal toward the end of the first half.
Coaching: A-
The offense put on a clinic against the Lions. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady called a nearly perfect game. The offense executed everything well, totaling a whopping 559 yards. Brady put Allen in the ideal position to make plays. Buffalo’s playmakers came through all game long.
Defensively, the plan against Detroit’s running game was spot on. The Lions were forced to play in a one-dimensional manner. And boy, they had a lot of success. Buffalo, however, did just enough with their depleted secondary to remain in the lead.
It’s important to remember that Buffalo did have a shortened practice week. The Bills were prepared enough to beat the team with the best record in the NFL. Still, we don’t think Sean McDermott will allow another brief practice week after this victory.
