In one of the weekend’s most anticipated matchups—and a potential Super Bowl preview—the Detroit Lions will take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Boasting a combined 22-4 record, the Lions and Bills also lead the league in scoring offense.

This marks only the second time Detroit has faced Buffalo since Dan Campbell became head coach and his second meeting with Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Leading up to the game, Campbell had high praise for Allen’s competitive nature and skills.

“He’s big, strong, fast, explosive, and incredibly competitive,” Campbell said. “It’s not just his physical traits; it’s what’s inside him. He’s the ultimate competitor, and that’s what sets him apart.

“He’s fearless, and that’s why his teammates play so hard for him. He never quits. He’ll do whatever it takes to get the next first down or score the touchdown. When it’s crunch time, he shows up, and he never backs down.”

Campbell’s admiration for Allen is unsurprising. If Allen weren’t leading Buffalo, he’d perfectly embody Campbell’s gritty style of play. Known for his “biting kneecaps” comment during his introductory press conference, Campbell is one of the league’s most aggressive coaches. He frequently takes risks on fourth downs and demands physicality from his players, echoing Allen’s relentless determination. Few quarterbacks match Allen’s physicality and ability to inspire teammates, making him an ideal fit for Campbell’s philosophy.

The parallels between Detroit and Buffalo, which typically meet just once every four years, extend beyond Campbell and Allen’s mindsets. Both franchises share histories filled with heartbreak and are still chasing their first Super Bowl wins. Yet, these resilient teams are cherished by their loyal, blue-collar fanbases.

Another connection lies in their quarterbacks. Like Allen, Lions quarterback Jared Goff has faced significant doubt in his career but has thrived despite the skepticism surrounding him.