Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

On December 15, 2024, the Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats in an electrifying NFL game at Ford Field, Detroit. The final score of 48-42 in favor of the Bills showcased a high-octane offensive battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This game was a clash of two powerhouse teams, with both quarterbacks—Josh Allen for the Bills and Jared Goff for the Lions—delivering standout performances. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, highlight the game’s most exciting moments, and break down what made this matchup unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the stats, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Game Overview: A High-Scoring Spectacle

The Buffalo Bills improved their record to 11-3, securing their position as the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff standings, while the Detroit Lions, despite the loss, stood strong at 12-2. This game was a offensive juggernaut, with both teams combining for a staggering 1,080 total yards of offense and 90 points. The Bills racked up 559 total yards, while the Lions weren’t far behind with 521 yards. Let’s break down the player performances that defined this thrilling contest.

Buffalo Bills: Key Player Stats

The Bills’ offense was firing on all cylinders, led by their star quarterback, Josh Allen. Here’s a closer look at the standout performers for Buffalo:

Josh Allen (Quarterback)

• Passing: 23 of 34 completions, 362 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 122.4 passer rating

• Rushing: 69 yards, 2 touchdowns

• Highlight: Allen was the heart of the Bills’ offense, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He opened the game with a 1-yard rushing touchdown and later threw a pinpoint 28-yard pass to running back James Cook. His mobility was key, as he scrambled for crucial yards, including a 10-yard run that set up an early score.

Allen’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His ability to evade pressure and make plays with both his arm and legs kept the Lions’ defense guessing all game long. His two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter set the tone, and his two passing touchdowns in the second half sealed the deal.

James Cook (Running Back)

• Rushing: 105 yards, 2 touchdowns

• Receiving: 1 reception, 28 yards

• Highlight: Cook was explosive, breaking free for a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that extended Buffalo’s lead. His 6-yard touchdown run in the first half also helped the Bills maintain momentum.

Cook’s speed and vision were critical in the Bills’ ground game, which complemented Allen’s passing attack. His ability to break tackles and find open lanes made him a constant threat.

Ty Johnson (Running Back)

• Receiving: 5 receptions, 114 yards

• Highlight: Johnson was a surprise standout, hauling in all five of his targets. His 33-yard and 24-yard receptions on the opening drive set up Allen’s first touchdown. Later, he caught a 31-yard pass on a fourth-and-two play, keeping a crucial drive alive.

Johnson’s reliability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield added another dimension to Buffalo’s offense, making him a key contributor in this high-scoring affair.

Defensive Standouts

• Christian Benford (Cornerback): 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble

• Ed Oliver (Defensive Tackle): 1.0 sack

• Greg Rousseau (Defensive End): 1.0 sack

• Matt Milano (Linebacker): Recovered a fumble forced by Benford

The Bills’ defense, despite missing three starters, stepped up with 3.0 sacks and a crucial turnover. Benford’s forced fumble, recovered by Milano, was the game’s only turnover and gave Buffalo a chance to maintain their lead.

Detroit Lions: Key Player Stats

The Lions’ offense was equally impressive, with Jared Goff leading a passing attack that nearly matched Buffalo’s output. Here’s how the Lions’ top players performed:

Jared Goff (Quarterback)

• Passing: 38 of 59 completions, 494 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 118.9 passer rating

• Rushing: 10 yards (including a 10-yard scramble for a first down)

• Highlight: Goff was phenomenal, spreading the ball to multiple receivers. His 9-yard touchdown pass to offensive lineman Dan Skipper was a creative play that showcased the Lions’ innovative play-calling.

Goff’s ability to stay composed under pressure was evident, as he completed passes to eight different receivers. His five touchdown passes kept Detroit in the game until the final seconds.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving: 14 receptions, 193 yards, 1 touchdown

• Highlight: St. Brown was Goff’s go-to target, consistently finding open space. His ability to gain yards after the catch made him a nightmare for Buffalo’s secondary.

St. Brown’s performance solidified his status as one of the NFL’s top receivers. His 14 catches were a game-high, and his 193 yards were a testament to his playmaking ability.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)

• Rushing: 1 touchdown (12-yard pass), 1 touchdown (1-yard run)

• Highlight: Gibbs scored twice, including a 12-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter that cut Buffalo’s lead to 10 points. His versatility as a runner and receiver kept the Bills’ defense on its heels.

Gibbs’ quickness and elusiveness made him a dual-threat weapon, contributing both on the ground and through the air.

Jameson Williams (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving: 1 reception, 18 yards

• Highlight: Williams’ 18-yard catch on Detroit’s second touchdown drive helped set up Skipper’s score. While his stats were modest, his speed stretched the field.

Dan Skipper (Offensive Lineman)

• Receiving: 1 reception, 9 yards, 1 touchdown

• Highlight: In a rare moment, Skipper, an offensive lineman, caught a 9-yard touchdown pass as an eligible receiver, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 21-14 in the first half. This play highlighted the Lions’ creative offensive scheme under coordinator Ben Johnson.

Game Highlights: Key Moments That Shaped the Outcome

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. Here’s a breakdown of the pivotal moments:

• First Quarter: The Bills struck first after winning the coin toss and deferring. Their defense forced a quick three-and-out, and Allen led a 73-yard drive, capped by his 1-yard rushing touchdown. Buffalo extended their lead to 14-0 with a 6-yard touchdown run by James Cook.

• Second Quarter: The Lions responded with a touchdown drive, featuring an 18-yard pass to Jameson Williams and a 9-yard touchdown catch by Dan Skipper. Both teams traded missed field goals late in the half, with Buffalo’s Tyler Bass missing from 24 yards and Detroit’s Jake Bates missing from 52 yards.

• Third Quarter: Buffalo opened the second half with a 70-yard drive, highlighted by Cook’s 41-yard touchdown run, pushing their lead to 21-7. Detroit answered with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Gibbs, but Buffalo maintained control.

• Fourth Quarter: Trailing 38-21, the Lions mounted a comeback. Goff’s 1-yard touchdown pass to Gibbs and a 3-yard touchdown to Jameson Williams brought Detroit within six points (48-42) with 12 seconds left. However, a failed onside kick attempt allowed Buffalo to run out the clock.

Team Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Comparison

Here’s a quick look at how the teams stacked up:

Stat	Buffalo Bills	Detroit Lions
Total Yards	559	521
Passing Yards	362	494
Rushing Yards	197	27
First Downs	28	30
Turnovers	0	1
Possession Time	32:42	27:18
Sacks	3.0	0.0

The Bills dominated the rushing game, with 197 yards compared to Detroit’s 27. However, the Lions’ passing attack, led by Goff’s 494 yards, kept them competitive. Buffalo’s ability to avoid turnovers and capitalize on Detroit’s lone fumble was a key difference.

Injuries That Impacted the Game

The Lions suffered two significant injuries in the second quarter:

• Carlton Davis III (Cornerback): Left with a jaw injury and was evaluated for a concussion, not returning.

• Khalil Dorsey (Cornerback): Suffered a significant ankle injury and did not return.

These losses weakened Detroit’s secondary, allowing Allen and the Bills’ receivers to exploit mismatches.

Why This Game Mattered

This matchup was more than just a regular-season game. For the Bills, the victory solidified their status as a top AFC contender, improving their record to 11-3 and extending their winning streak against the Lions to five games. For the Lions, the loss snapped their franchise-record 11-game winning streak, but their offensive output showed they remain a formidable force in the NFC.

The game also highlighted the MVP-caliber play of Josh Allen, whose dual-threat performance (362 passing yards, 69 rushing yards, 4 total touchdowns) made a strong case for the NFL MVP award. On the Lions’ side, Jared Goff’s 494 yards and five touchdowns underscored his growth as a quarterback and the potency of Detroit’s passing attack.

Fan Takeaways: What Made This Game Special

For fans, this game was a rollercoaster of emotions. The high-scoring nature, combined with creative play-calling (like Skipper’s touchdown), made it a memorable spectacle. Both teams showcased their offensive firepower, with Allen and Goff trading big plays like heavyweight boxers. The Bills’ ability to hold off Detroit’s late comeback attempt added drama, making this one of the most exciting games of the 2024 NFL season.

How to Use These Stats for Fantasy Football or Betting

If you’re a fantasy football player or sports bettor, the stats from this game offer valuable insights:

• Josh Allen: His dual-threat ability makes him a must-start in fantasy leagues. His consistent production (4 touchdowns in this game) is a goldmine for fantasy points.

• Jared Goff: His 494 yards and 5 touchdowns show he’s a reliable option in favorable matchups, especially with weapons like St. Brown and Gibbs.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown: His 14 receptions and 193 yards make him a top-tier wide receiver for fantasy rosters.

• James Cook and Ty Johnson: Both running backs proved their value in PPR (points per reception) leagues, with Cook’s rushing touchdowns and Johnson’s receiving yards offering versatility.

For bettors, the game’s 90 total points smashed the over/under line of 55.5, highlighting the offensive potential of both teams. Future matchups involving these teams are likely to be high-scoring, so keep an eye on the over/under lines.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams?

The Bills, now 11-3, are in prime position for a deep playoff run. Their ability to win on the road against a strong Lions team bodes well for their postseason prospects. The Lions, despite the loss, remain a top NFC contender at 12-2. With Goff and St. Brown leading the charge, they’ll look to bounce back in their next game.

Conclusion: A Game for the Ages

The Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats on December 15, 2024, was a showcase of offensive brilliance, with Josh Allen and Jared Goff delivering performances that will be talked about for years. From Allen’s dual-threat dominance to Goff’s pinpoint passing, this game had it all—big plays, creative touchdowns, and a thrilling finish. The Bills’ 48-42 victory was a testament to their resilience, while the Lions proved they’re a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re analyzing stats for fantasy football, betting, or just enjoying the game as a fan, this matchup delivered unforgettable moments.