The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a crucial game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, November 15. Josh Allen and the Bills are 10-3 and one of the strongest teams in the AFC this season, while Jared Goff and the Lions stand at 11-1, making them one of the top teams in the NFC. The game holds significant importance for both teams, and each will do whatever it takes to secure the win.

While much attention will be given to the Lions’ defense and its strategy to limit Allen, a key factor in Detroit’s success will undoubtedly be their offense. Fortunately for the Lions, they may have an advantage going into the matchup.

Detroit Lions’ Running Back Tandem Could Be a Game Changer

In a December 13 article for SideLion Report, NFL analyst Brad Berreman highlighted the Lions’ running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, affectionately known as “Sonic and Knuckles,” as a potential asset for Detroit against the Bills. He pointed out that “in a general sense, the ground game will be vital for the Lions on Sunday to keep Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense off the field.

Montgomery and Gibbs will, of course, be the focal points of that strategy.” Berreman further noted that beyond the running game, the combination of Montgomery and Gibbs presents a “matchup advantage against Buffalo’s defense that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has likely identified in crafting his game plan.”

Berreman also pointed out that Buffalo is allowing the most receptions (74), the most targets (95), and the third-most receiving yards (579) to running backs this season as of Week 15.

“We know Gibbs excels as a pass catcher, even if he isn’t always utilized in that role,” Berreman added. “While it would be nice to see Gibbs get more targets, Montgomery has been excellent in the passing game this season as well.”

Berreman went on to say that the Lions’ ground game is expected to “bounce back” against the Bills, noting that “Buffalo’s clear vulnerability in covering running backs is hard to overlook, and it will certainly be factored in with the two threats Detroit has in the backfield.”

Bills Miss Practice Due to Snowstorm

Looking ahead to the game, some might view the fact that the Bills missed a practice this week due to a snowstorm in the Buffalo area as an advantage for the Lions. However, Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t see it that way.

“I don’t put much stock into that,” Campbell said during a press conference on Friday, December 13. “I mean, during Covid, I’m not even sure we practiced at New Orleans one week, and we went out and scored 30 points. I don’t know what that was, but no, I’m not concerned. That team will be ready. Everything is fine.”

The Bills had to cancel practice and instead held virtual meetings on Thursday, December 13, due to a travel ban in the area. Orchard Park, where the Bills practice, received up to 30 inches of snow in some parts.