Bills vs. Lions NFL Week 15 Picks: Expect a Shootout on Sunday
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Eduardo Solano
- December 9, 2024
NFL Pick: Over 53 (-108) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
The Buffalo Bills visit the Detroit Lions in a potential Super Bowl preview on Sunday. Let’s analyze the current NFL odds available at the top-rated sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.
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Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday, December 15, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Ford Field
Los Angeles Shocked Buffalo
Matthew Stafford threw for 320 yards and connected with Puka Nacua for a decisive 19-yard touchdown with 1:54 remaining, lifting the Rams to a dramatic 44-42 victory over the Bills on Sunday.
The win snapped Buffalo’s seven-game winning streak, despite an extraordinary performance by Josh Allen, who became the first player in NFL history to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Allen racked up 342 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air, while also rushing for 82 yards and three more scores.
The Bills’ offense was prolific, tallying 42 points—the most in franchise history in a losing effort—while the Rams and Bills combined for 902 total yards without a single turnover. This marked just the 22nd time in NFL history that a team scored at least 42 points and still lost.
James Cook added 20 rushing yards on six carries for Buffalo, while Khalil Shakir caught five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Amari Cooper contributed six catches for 95 yards. Despite their offensive fireworks, the Bills fell into an early hole, surrendering 24 first-half points. Cooper Kupp’s 17-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter put Los Angeles ahead by 17.
Detroit Keeps Winning
Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes, and Jake Bates nailed a 35-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 34-31 win over the Packers, clinching a playoff spot for the NFC-best Lions. Head coach Dan Campbell, known for his aggressive play-calling, leaned on his offense to keep Green Bay’s defense on the field, converting five fourth-down attempts in the game.
The Lions set a franchise record with their 11th straight win, maintaining their edge in the NFC North over the Minnesota Vikings. Campbell’s boldest call came with 43 seconds left on 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 21. David Montgomery’s seven-yard run, despite a mishandled exchange from Goff, allowed Detroit to set up Bates’ game-winning kick—his third of the season.
Goff completed 32 of 41 passes for 283 yards, throwing two of his three touchdown passes on fourth-and-goal situations, including one to Tim Patrick, who had two touchdown receptions. Goff also threw an interception that set up one of Josh Jacobs’ three touchdown runs for Green Bay.
The Lions’ final drive featured a 19-yard pass to Jameson Williams and a 16-yard connection with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit made history as the first team ever to have six players with at least five receptions in a single game (Williams, Sam LaPorta, Patrick, St. Brown, Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs), per OptaSTATS.
Montgomery rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Gibbs added 43 yards on 15 attempts.
Key Matchups
The stage is set for a high-powered clash between two of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses as the Buffalo Bills travel to face the Detroit Lions.
Josh Allen vs. Lions’ Defense
Allen’s dual-threat ability was on full display last week, as he became the first player in NFL history to record three passing and three rushing touchdowns in a single game. Detroit’s defense, while opportunistic, is not invulnerable, and Campbell’s aggressive tactics may leave them exposed to big plays.
If Allen can exploit mismatches in the secondary and extend plays with his legs, Buffalo could keep pace in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair.
Lions’ Rushing Attack vs. Bills’ Front Seven
Detroit’s balanced rushing attack, led by Montgomery and Gibbs, will be crucial to control the pace of the game. The Lions’ ability to convert on short-yardage situations, particularly on fourth downs, has been a cornerstone of their success.
However, Buffalo’s defensive front must find a way to limit the duo’s effectiveness, as stopping the run will be key to forcing Goff into uncomfortable passing situations.
Jared Goff vs. Bills’ Defense
Goff has been surgical in the passing game, completing over 78% of his passes in his last outing. His connection with six different receivers who caught at least five passes last week highlights Detroit’s versatility and depth.
The Bills’ secondary must focus on limiting explosive plays to St. Brown and Williams while keeping tight coverage on Patrick and LaPorta in the red zone.
Special Teams and Turnovers
Neither team committed a turnover in their last game, but mistakes could be pivotal in this matchup. The Lions’ Bates has proven clutch with game-winning kicks, while Buffalo’s offense thrives on creating chaos and capitalizing on short fields. Whichever team can force the first turnover or make a key special teams play may gain a critical edge.
The Pick
This game promises to be a shootout, with both offenses firing on all cylinders. Allen’s ability to make plays out of structure gives Buffalo a slight edge in explosive potential, but the Lions’ methodical approach and Campbell’s aggressive play-calling could swing the momentum at key moments.
Expect both teams to trade blows, with the outcome hinging on who can execute better in the final minutes.
NFL Pick: Over 53 (-108) at Heritage Sports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
