The Detroit Lions are gearing up for one of their most pivotal games of the season: a Sunday, November 15, showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen and the Bills come into the game with a 10-3 record and a reputation as one of the AFC’s most dominant teams. Meanwhile, Jared Goff and the Lions boast an impressive 11-1 record, making them arguably the best team in the NFC. This matchup carries significant stakes for both teams, and each will bring their best to secure a win.
While much of the focus will be on the Lions’ defense and its strategy for containing Allen, Detroit’s chances of victory will also hinge on its offense. Fortunately for the Lions, they may have a key advantage heading into the game.
Detroit Lions’ Running Back Duo Could Be the Difference
In a December 13 analysis for SideLion Report, NFL expert Brad Berreman highlighted how Detroit’s running back duo—Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, nicknamed “Sonic and Knuckles”—could be a decisive factor against the Bills, especially when paired with quarterback Jared Goff.
“In a broad sense, the ground game will be important for the Lions on Sunday as they look to keep Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense off the field. Montgomery and Gibbs will of course be the driving forces on that front,” Berreman explained.
He went on to emphasize that beyond running the ball, the Lions’ dynamic backfield presents a “matchup advantage against Buffalo’s defense that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has surely uncovered in shaping his game plan.”
Buffalo’s defense has struggled against pass-catching running backs this season. Heading into Week 15, the Bills have allowed the most receptions (74), the most targets (95), and the third-most receiving yards (579) to running backs.
“We know what Gibbs brings to the table as a pass catcher, however underutilized he seems to be in that area at times,” Berreman wrote. “As much as it would be nice to see Gibbs get more targets, Montgomery has been fantastic as a pass catcher this year.”
Berreman predicted a strong performance from Detroit’s ground game, noting that the Bills’ well-documented struggles covering running backs provide a glaring opportunity for the Lions.
Buffalo Bills Miss Practice Due to Snow
Another potential advantage for the Lions stems from the Bills missing a practice session this week due to heavy snowfall in the Buffalo area. However, Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn’t see it as a significant factor.
“I don’t put anything into that,” Campbell told reporters on Friday, December 13. “I mean, I think one day in Covid, I don’t even know if we practiced at New Orleans one week, and we went out and put up 30. I don’t know what that was, but no, I put nothing into that. That team will be ready. So, all good.”
The Bills canceled practice and conducted virtual meetings on Thursday, December 13, after a travel ban was imposed in the area. Orchard Park, where the Bills practice, received as much as 30 inches of snow in some areas.
