Bills vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Week 15 Odds, Prediction
A game of the year, Super Bowl preview, MVP duel, battle between the NFL’s top offences… you name it this Sunday when the 10-3 Buffalo Bills visit the 12-1 Detroit Lions. Buffalo’s already coming off what might currently be the game of the year — a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last week. The Lions have had a couple extra days of preparation after beating Green Bay 34-31 last Thursday, when head coach Dan Campbell again played with fire.
Detroit’s defence is predictably vulnerable right now as injuries across the board (18 players on IR) have forced Detroit into some track meets. With that said, the performance of Buffalo’s defence is more concerning. Josh Allen’s six touchdowns weren’t enough last Sunday as the Bills allowed over 450 yards to L.A. — elite offences tend to get the better of Buffalo. Now opposite of the NFL’s highest-scoring offence, Allen again needs to be Superman at QB.
Kickoff at Ford Field goes at 4:25 p.m. EST with the Lions a -145 moneyline favourite at home, and Buffalo a +120 underdog. The total for this bout is at 54.5 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Already the favourite to win his first NFL MVP, Josh Allen (-450) has an opportunity on Sunday to solidify his crown. Jared Goff will have something to say about that though, as the Lions QB is currently third in NFL MVP odds at +1300. Detroit’s currently the favourite to win the Super Bowl at +260 odds, while Buffalo’s in fourth at +600.
The Lions come into this weekend with a five-game home win streak, and seven-game win streak against the AFC. Buffalo has covered in just one of their last seven games against an NFC North opponent. Seven straight Bills–Lions contests have finished under the total. Times have changed though, as Buffalo’s coming off an 86-point game and a total in that neighbourhood is possible with the Lions first (32.1) in points per game and Bills second (30.5).
Buffalo Bills
The rich may be getting richer as both receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) may be returning to Buffalo’s offence this weekend. Both were full practice participants Wednesday. But in the secondary, Rasul Douglas (knee) and Taylor Rapp (neck) may not be ready to go after exiting last week’s loss.
And when they exited, they missed a historic Josh Allen performance as the superstar QB was at it again by becoming the first player in NFL history with three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a game, a game in which Buffalo lost. Maybe seven’s the magic number? Allen also put up 342 passing yards, 80 rushing yards, and didn’t turn the ball over last Sunday.
Detroit Lions
The amount of defensive linemen injured for the Lions has reached double digits, yet this team continues to chug along thanks to a league-leading offence parlayed with an aggressive coach. The positive news for Detroit’s d-line is star tackle Alim McNeill was a full participant after suffering a concussion last week, while Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and Josh Paschal (knee) were limited. D.J. Reader (shoulder) did not practice.
The name of the game for Detroit this weekend has to be winning the time of possession, not just because of Buffalo’s offence rolling into town but also the injuries on defence. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were held to a combined 84 rushing yards on 29 touches last week, but if Detroit’s to have a chance this weekend that number has to nearly double — because you can bet the duo will get around another 30 touches if all goes to plan.
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