It’s a battle of division leaders in Week 15, as the Buffalo Bills visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The five-time reigning AFC East champions were thought to be rebuilding after parting ways with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis during the offseason, among other departures. Instead, they have resumed their dominance, with Josh Allen extracting the most from a revamped supporting cast led by running back James Cook and tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.
Meanwhile, the defending NFC North champions have been nothing short of dominant, soaring to the top of the NFC behind a stellar lineup led by quarterback Jared Goff. So, who wins?
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Bills vs. Lions prediction
On paper, the Lions have the superior offense. They boast a pair of standout running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, two elite pass-catchers in wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta, and a formidable offensive line.
However, the Bills feature a capable, if less star-studded, offense along with the better defense. While often overshadowed by their quarterback’s exploits, veterans like Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau in the trenches and linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams have quietly excelled at containing playmakers.
The Bills’ secondary has been a true focal point. Despite losing cornerback Tre'Davious White and the safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, the unit has thrived. Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin have helped Buffalo rank among the top five in interceptions and tied for the league lead in interception touchdowns.
That defensive backfield will prove to be the difference-maker in a win for the visitors.
Prediction: Bills 30, Lions 23
Bills vs. Lions fantasy outlook
Josh Allen, as noted, is the player to watch this week. The lack of star power in his receiving corps has not mattered to Sportskeeda's QB2, as he continues to maximize offensive efficiency and remain one of the AFC’s best quarterbacks.
Helping his case is a vulnerable Lions defense. While Za'Darius Smith poses a pass-rushing threat, the secondary has struggled despite the presence of Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
How to watch Bills vs. Lions
This game will air on CBS at 4:25 p.m. ET, with streaming available on Paramount+. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will call the action, with Tracy Wolfson providing sideline updates.
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