game of the week
Buffalo Bills (10-3) v Detroit Lions (12-1)
The No. 1 seeded contenders from each conference will clash in Detroit. The bullish Lions hope to keep their foot on the gas in order to fend off the NFC-leading Eagles as the Bills trail the Chiefs by two games in the AFC. The thorough offensive power of the NFL’s top two scoring teams, averaging more than 30 points per game, will likely be the mainstay of the day between democracies and dictatorships.
Detroit’s team-driven pick-the-venom approach kept the scores flowing through a devastating running back tandem and icy-cool quarterback Jared Goff, while totaling six touchdowns against the Rams. Josh Allen, a one-man wrecking ball who just recorded , will be a constant threat in the air and on the ground for Buffalo.
One stop from either defense could make all the difference in their chances of warming up for the Super Bowl. To move closer to the all-important top seed, they first need to score some important wins.
What the Bills must do to win: Buffalo needs to play to their strengths and go all out on offense to shake up Detroit. Goff and the Lions are used to playing with a healthy lead and the stress that comes with it. Allen’s incredible scoring ability could put the Lions in an unusual position that could lead to uncharacteristic and costly mistakes.
A hot start also means Buffalo’s so-so run defense may not be tested as thoroughly. The Bills are averaging nearly 5 yards per carry and are seventh in allowing runs of 20 yards or more with 11. Gibbs (who has the third-most runs of 20 yards or more with nine) and Montgomery will likely get some touches, but it would be a huge relief if the chances of them making shocking explosive plays are reduced. Probably.
What the Lions need to do to win: Detroit’s offensive line will need to maintain its immense standard to dominate the scoreboard against the Bills. That would leave more running lanes open for Jahmil Gibbs and David Montgomery, while likely leading to a more decisive outcome. That’s a gift of time that Goff can put in his pocket and go to work. Detroit’s franchise quarterback is enjoying the best and most accurate season of his career thanks to the improved work of his big men up front.
His 72.4% completion percentage has been a huge factor in Detroit’s rise from good to great, so much so that Detroit has already matched last year’s regular season wins. Goff’s victory over the jersey number of an opponent with a higher pedigree could be a subtle but powerful boost to the Lions’ confidence going forward.
Emerging into playoff contention: Los Angeles Rams
How do I change my playoff eligibility late in the season? Allen, who was named MVP, stumbled out of the saloon in a shootout and won a hard-fought victory over division rival San Francisco 49ers. . Sean McVay’s offense was largely out of sync on Thursday night, but Puka Nacua’s mind remained strong as he merged with Matthew Stafford while an underrated defense shut down Brock Purdy. . The second-year pass catcher is on track to reach 1,000 yards despite missing five games with a serious knee injury.
The 8-6 Rams now sit back and put their feet up, hoping both the NFC West-leading Seahawks and wild-card holders will join them from 8-5. Masu. Seattle is the favorite to play against the Green Bay Packers, who are in the playoffs. A loss would move Los Angeles forward by a narrow margin in the conference record.
Lost in playoff contention: Los Angeles Chargers
There is no doubt that the structure of this season’s playoffs is having a negative impact on the Chargers. With less competition in the AFC, they are almost certain to make it to the postseason. Having gotten off to a strong start, their December loss hardly matters, and this lackluster performance, along with major injuries, may have slowed their offense (though it certainly hasn’t sharpened it). do not have). His record of 8 wins and 5 losses puts him just ahead of the Wild Card Pretender, who has 6 wins and 7 losses.
The Chargers’ run game is their biggest flaw. Without the injured JK Dobbins, the Bolts are sluggish with an average EPA/play of -0.22, and quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to do it all. On Sunday, he failed without his favorite target, Ladd McConkie, and suffered a narrow loss to the winnable Chiefs. With the hungry Buccaneers looking to solidify their spot atop the NFC South, head coach Jim Harbaugh has announced that Dobbins will return as early as Week 17 in order to return to production against Tampa Bay. They need their rookie receivers to be in shape and ready to go. Another soul-sapping loss for the Chargers would further highlight their weakness in the first round of the postseason.
Battle for first draft pick
The pair with a one-stroke lead over the chasing pack on the 15th tee are the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, both with 2 wins and 11 losses. Both teams have endured severe cold weather and are severely short-staffed, resulting in nine and eight consecutive losses, respectively. Unless fortunes miraculously turn around, Big Blue will remain in pole position to compete for the 2025 No. 1 overall pick as they play against Baltimore on Sunday. The 8-5 Ravens would be a safe bet any week of the season given their talent advantage, but Lamar Jackson and the team’s chances will only get better as they head north after a balmy bye week. and a title he needs to win to remain in the hunt for the AFC North.
Meanwhile, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce seems to expect his quarterback to turn red when the Falcons visit. No, Gardner Minshew doesn’t have the score to settle with Atlanta. But former Falcons QB1 Desmond Ridder was given the keys to Las Vegas’ offense in a desperate attempt to breathe life into the desert. In the latest and perhaps biggest test of the term “revenge game,” Ridder could be fired up to overcome his replacement, Kirk Cousins - who has lost four straight with zero touchdowns and eight interceptions – but… The former’s ring rust and limited pitching ability should still keep him in the standings, giving the Falcons a huge advantage in their playoff pursuit and ending the veteran’s horrible run.
