Here are five key things to watch for in today’s game:
1. MVP Showdown
Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Lions quarterback Jared Goff are among the top NFL MVP contenders with just a month left in the season.
Allen’s dynamic skill set was on display last week, where he passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 82 yards with three more scores in a 44-42 loss to the Rams. Detroit must find a way to make Buffalo’s offense one-dimensional to have a chance of slowing them down, as the Bills aim to score at least 30 points for the eighth straight game.
Goff, meanwhile, ranks second in passer rating (109.1) and completion percentage (72.4). He could join Tom Brady (2007) as the only QBs to post a 75% completion rate in eight games during a season.
2. Healthier Lions
The Lions are expected to welcome back left tackle Taylor Decker, defensive tackles Alim McNeill and DJ Reader, as well as defensive ends Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike. This is a massive boost for Detroit’s defense as they face the tough task of slowing Allen and the Bills’ offense.
Last week, backups and newly signed veterans stepped up admirably in a tough situation. Now, with McNeill, Reader, Paschal, and Onwuzurike returning, Detroit’s defensive front gains the depth it needs against Buffalo’s second-ranked scoring offense (30.5 points).
3. Third-Down Battle
Controlling possession and keeping Allen on the sidelines will be crucial for Detroit. The Lions’ offense ranks fourth in third-down conversion rate (45.8%), while Buffalo’s defense has struggled, ranking 25th at getting off the field on third down (43.2%).
Last week, the Rams converted 11 of 15 third downs against Buffalo. “Our guys understand the challenge,” said Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, emphasizing the need to capitalize on those moments.
4. Ground Game Showdown
This physical matchup could hinge on which team can control the pace through the run game.
Detroit’s David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs form the NFL’s best running back tandem, helping the team rush for 100+ yards in all 13 games this season. The Lions will need to dominate the line of scrimmage and maintain this success against Buffalo’s 19th-ranked run defense.
5. History in the Making
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has 396 catches since debuting in 2021. With four more receptions today, he’ll join Michael Thomas (470) and Jarvis Landry (400) as the only players with 400 catches in their first four NFL seasons.
