The Buffalo Bills stand at 10-3 after Josh Allen’s remarkable six-touchdown performance in a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the highest-scoring game of the season, while the Detroit Lions are on a franchise-record 11-game winning streak at 12-1, dominating the NFC after a win over the Green Bay Packers.
For someone new to the NFL, a matchup between the Bills and Lions would be the ideal introduction.
“I think it’s going to be a special Josh Allen game,” said Sky Sports NFL presenter Neil Reynolds.
Allen made his case as the MVP frontrunner even in defeat, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for three more in last week’s loss. No quarterback elevates their team like Allen, who has accumulated 3,033 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, alongside 416 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, making him the ultimate game-wrecking force under center.
“He’s big, strong, fast, explosive, and competitive,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “He has all these physical attributes, but what truly sets him apart is his competitive spirit. He’s fearless, and that’s why his teammates play for him – he never gives up.”
Allen’s journey has been one of tremendous growth, overcoming early turnover and accuracy struggles, now with the second-highest passer rating of his career while maintaining his aggressive playing style.
“He’s a freak,” said Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard.
On the other side, Jared Goff has revitalized his career in Detroit, emerging as a legitimate MVP contender. With 3,265 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, Goff ranks second in completion percentage, guiding Ben Johnson’s explosive offense. Despite a tough five-interception game against the Houston Texans in November, Goff has bounced back with nine touchdowns and just one interception in the past four games.
Lions teammates, including cornerback Carlton Davis and wide receiver Jameson Williams, have backed Goff for MVP, with Williams saying, “I just like my quarterback better. Look at the stats. 12-1 team, 25-plus touchdowns for three straight years. He’s a great player and the reason we win games – he controls the game.”
Meanwhile, the running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, dubbed “Sonic and Knuckles,” has been crucial to Detroit’s success, combining for 2,409 yards and 24 total touchdowns. They will challenge a Bills defense ranked middle-of-the-pack in run defense, allowing nearly five yards per carry.
“The Bills’ defense has allowed more than 28 points only twice, but their run defense is a concern against two of the best running backs in the league,” said Sky Sports NFL’s Phoebe Schecter.
She added that Buffalo will likely try to force Goff to throw the ball, creating a high-paced shootout reminiscent of the fun Stafford-Allen matchup. The Lions’ ability to use play-action, with Montgomery and Gibbs making crucial gains, gives them a unique edge, especially on critical fourth downs. If forced into passing situations, Goff’s performance could define the game.
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