Bills fans might want to keep an eye on these four Lions making an impact in Week 15.
Throughout the season, the Buffalo Bills were expected to win most games with Josh Allen under center. It’s rare for the Bills to be doubted. However, this week presents a different challenge.
Not only are the Bills on the road for a second consecutive week, but they will face the hottest team in the NFL, the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell has brought significant change to Detroit, turning them from one of the league’s worst teams into strong Super Bowl contenders.
This matchup could be another “Game of the Year” for the Bills, following their heartbreaking 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last week. Now, they face the Lions, with four key players that could make a difference for Detroit.
4 Lions to watch out for in Week 15
C Frank Ragnow
Detroit boasts one of the top offensive lines in the league, anchored by Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow. Since Dan Campbell’s arrival, the Lions have fielded a solid offensive line, with Ragnow often overlooked due to past struggles on a bad team. With the talented rushing duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs behind him, Ragnow will make life difficult for the Bills’ defensive line. He is also a strong pass protector for Jared Goff.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Despite starting just one game this season, Jahmyr Gibbs has quickly become one of the top running backs in the league. With 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, plus 2 through the air, Gibbs is proving to be a versatile threat. He excels as a runner, receiver, and blocker, making him a vital piece of Ben Johnson’s offense. The Bills will need to stop both Gibbs and Montgomery, but Gibbs is especially dangerous due to his all-around ability. Expect Matt Milano or Terrel Bernard to be tasked with containing him.
S Kerby Joseph
Josh Allen has had a great season, picking apart opposing defenses. However, he will face a tough secondary, led by safety Kerby Joseph, who has been a key part of the Lions’ defense. Joseph, along with Brian Branch and Carlton Davis, has played a major role in Detroit’s success. He is tied for first in interceptions (7), pass defenses (10), and interception returns for touchdowns (1), while also allowing just 54.5% of passes thrown his way to be completed, ranking among the league’s best. The Bills’ safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer will be challenged by Joseph’s strong play.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
With some injuries in Buffalo’s secondary, the Bills will face a tough task in containing Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Though he averages 66 yards per game, St. Brown has explosive potential, having gone over 100 yards in three games this season. He leads the Lions in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, making him a constant threat. Christian Benford, Buffalo’s top cornerback, will likely be assigned to shadow St. Brown throughout the game.