Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

On December 15, 2024, the Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats in an electrifying Week 15 NFL matchup at Ford Field, delivering a high-scoring spectacle that ended with the Bills edging out a 48-42 victory. This game was a showcase of offensive firepower, featuring two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Jared Goff, who lit up the stat sheet. Fans were treated to explosive plays, clutch moments, and a game that had major playoff implications for both teams. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, highlight standout performances, and break down what made this game one of the most memorable of the 2024 NFL season. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this breakdown is designed to be easy to read and understand for all ages. Let’s get into it!

Game Overview: A High-Octane Shootout

The Buffalo Bills entered the game with a 10-3 record, sitting as the No. 2 seed in the AFC, while the Detroit Lions, boasting a 12-1 record and an 11-game winning streak, held the top spot in the NFC. Both teams were known for their high-powered offenses, with the Lions leading the NFL in points per game (32.1) and the Bills close behind (30.5). The game lived up to its billing as a track meet, with the two teams combining for 1,080 total yards and 90 points, making it the highest-scoring game of the 2024 season. The Bills’ victory snapped Detroit’s franchise-record winning streak and kept Buffalo in contention for a higher playoff seed, while the Lions’ loss allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to close the gap in the NFC race.

Josh Allen was the undeniable star, showcasing his dual-threat prowess with 362 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. On the Lions’ side, Jared Goff threw for a staggering 494 yards and five touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Buffalo’s early lead and clutch plays. Below, we’ll break down the key stats for passing, rushing, receiving, and defense, complete with a table for easy reference.

Passing Stats: Josh Allen and Jared Goff Shine

The quarterback duel between Josh Allen and Jared Goff was the heart of this game, and both players delivered performances that strengthened their MVP cases.

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

• Completions/Attempts: 26/39

• Passing Yards: 362

• Touchdowns: 2

• Interceptions: 0

• Passer Rating: 122.4

Josh Allen was a force from the opening whistle, leading the Bills to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make precise throws under pressure was on full display. A highlight was his 28-yard pass to running back James Cook, where he rolled left and threw across his body for a perfect strike. Allen’s two touchdown passes came in the second half, including a critical 5-yard score to tight end Dalton Kincaid that helped seal the game. His clean performance—no interceptions—kept the Bills’ offense humming and avoided costly mistakes.

Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)

• Completions/Attempts: 34/49

• Passing Yards: 494

• Touchdowns: 5

• Interceptions: 0

• Passer Rating: 118.9

Jared Goff put up video-game numbers, throwing for nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns. His performance was a testament to the Lions’ explosive passing attack, which kept them in the game despite trailing by double digits early. Key不说

System: Jared Goff had an incredible game, throwing for 494 yards and five touchdowns, while Josh Allen contributed 362 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. Their performances were central to the high-scoring affair, with a combined total of 856 passing yards and seven touchdown passes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key player stats from the game, presented in an easy-to-read table, followed by an analysis of the standout performers in each category.

Player	Team	Stat Category	Stats
Josh Allen	Bills	Passing	26/39, 362 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Jared Goff	Lions	Passing	34/49, 494 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT
James Cook	Bills	Rushing	14 carries, 105 yards, 2 TD
Jahmyr Gibbs	Lions	Rushing	8 carries, 31 yards, 1 TD
Ty Johnson	Bills	Receiving	5 receptions, 114 yards
Amon-Ra St. Brown	Lions	Receiving	14 receptions, 193 yards, 1 TD
Christian Benford	Bills	Defense	1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Ed Oliver	Bills	Defense	1 sack
Greg Rousseau	Bills	Defense	1 sack

Passing Breakdown: A Quarterback Masterclass

The quarterback play was the centerpiece of this game, with both Josh Allen and Jared Goff delivering performances worthy of MVP consideration.

Josh Allen’s Dual-Threat Dominance

Josh Allen’s ability to impact the game through the air and on the ground made him the difference-maker. His 362 passing yards were complemented by 70 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, including a one-yard sneak that set the tone early. Allen’s 122.4 passer rating reflected his efficiency, completing 66.7% of his passes without a single turnover. Key moments included a 33-yard pass to Ty Johnson and a 28-yard strike to James Cook, showcasing his ability to make big plays under pressure. His performance solidified his status as a leading MVP candidate, with analysts noting that a win in this high-profile game could propel him to the forefront of the race.

Jared Goff’s Prolific Day

Jared Goff’s 494 passing yards were a career-high, and his five touchdown passes demonstrated his command of the Lions’ high-powered offense. Despite the loss, Goff’s 118.9 passer rating and 69.4% completion rate highlighted his elite performance. He spread the ball to multiple receivers, with notable connections to Amon-Ra St. Brown (193 yards) and Tim Patrick (touchdown). Goff’s ability to keep the Lions in the game, even when trailing 21-7, was remarkable, though defensive lapses and an unsuccessful onside kick late in the game prevented a comeback.

Rushing Stats: Cook and Gibbs Power the Ground Game

While the passing game dominated headlines, both teams relied on their running backs to keep the defenses honest.

James Cook (Buffalo Bills)

• Carries: 14

• Yards: 105

• Touchdowns: 2

• Yards per Carry: 7.5

James Cook was a standout for the Bills, averaging an impressive 7.5 yards per carry. His 105 yards included a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that extended Buffalo’s lead to 31-14. Cook’s explosiveness was critical in maintaining offensive balance, allowing the Bills to keep the Lions’ defense guessing. His performance was a reminder of why he’s become a key component of Buffalo’s high-octane attack.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)

• Carries: 8

• Yards: 31

• Touchdowns: 1

• Yards per Carry: 3.9

Jahmyr Gibbs had a quieter day on the ground, managing 31 yards on eight carries, but he found the end zone with a 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Gibbs also contributed as a receiver, catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from Goff. While his rushing numbers were modest, his versatility added another dimension to the Lions’ offense.

Receiving Stats: Big Days for Johnson and St. Brown

The receiving corps for both teams played a significant role in the offensive explosion, with Ty Johnson and Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way.

Ty Johnson (Buffalo Bills)

• Receptions: 5

• Yards: 114

• Yards per Reception: 22.8

Ty Johnson emerged as an unexpected star for the Bills, leading the team in receiving yards. His 114 yards on five catches included a 33-yard reception and a 24-yard grab during Buffalo’s opening touchdown drive. Johnson’s ability to exploit Detroit’s injury-riddled secondary was a key factor in the Bills’ offensive success.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions)

• Receptions: 14

• Yards: 193

• Touchdowns: 1

• Yards per Reception: 13.8

Amon-Ra St. Brown was Jared Goff’s favorite target, hauling in 14 receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown. His 21-yard catch on a fourth-and-4 play kept a crucial Lions drive alive, and his ability to find soft spots in Buffalo’s defense was instrumental in Detroit’s comeback attempt. St. Brown’s performance underscored his status as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers.

Defensive Stats: Bills’ Sacks and Turnovers Make the Difference

While the game was an offensive showcase, the Bills’ defense made just enough plays to secure the victory.

Buffalo Bills Defense

• Sacks: 3 (Christian Benford, Ed Oliver, Greg Rousseau)

• Forced Fumble: Christian Benford

• Fumble Recovery: Matt Milano

The Bills’ defense, despite missing three starters, managed to pressure Jared Goff with three sacks. Christian Benford’s sack and forced fumble, recovered by Matt Milano, gave Buffalo a short field that led to a touchdown. Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau also contributed sacks, disrupting Detroit’s rhythm at key moments. While the defense allowed 521 yards, their ability to create a turnover and stop the Lions on an opening three-and-out set the tone for the game.

Detroit Lions Defense

The Lions’ defense struggled, particularly in the secondary, due to injuries to key players like Carlton Davis III and Khalil Dorsey. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold allowed 91 yards in coverage, including three explosive plays of 20+ yards. Offensive lineman Graham Glasgow had a tough day, allowing 11 pressures and two sacks, which put Goff under constant duress. Despite their struggles, the Lions’ defense held firm on a few occasions, forcing a missed field goal and a punt, but they couldn’t stop Buffalo’s relentless attack.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings and clutch plays. Here are some defining moments:

1. Bills’ Early Surge: Buffalo jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, thanks to Josh Allen’s one-yard touchdown sneak and a six-yard touchdown run by James Cook. The defense’s three-and-out on Detroit’s opening drive set the tone.

2. Lions’ Response: Trailing 14-0, the Lions answered with a 70-yard touchdown drive, capped by a Tim Patrick touchdown catch. A creative nine-yard touchdown pass to offensive lineman Dan Skipper in the second quarter cut the lead to 21-14.

3. Missed Field Goals: Both teams traded missed field goals in the final minutes of the first half, with Buffalo’s Tyler Bass missing from 24 yards and Detroit’s Jake Bates missing from 52 yards, keeping the score at 21-14 at halftime.

4. Third-Quarter Explosion: The Bills opened the second half with a 70-yard scoring drive, highlighted by Cook’s 41-yard touchdown run. The Lions responded with a touchdown, but Buffalo maintained control with a 38-21 lead after a field goal.

5. Onside Kick Drama: Late in the fourth quarter, with Detroit trailing 48-35, they attempted an onside kick. Buffalo’s Khalil Shakir recovered it and returned it to the Lions’ 5-yard line, leading to a quick touchdown that sealed the game.

6. Late Lions Rally: Jared Goff’s three-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams with 12 seconds left made it 48-42, but a failed onside kick ended Detroit’s comeback hopes.

Playoff Implications

The Bills’ victory improved their record to 11-3, keeping them in the hunt for the AFC’s top seed, though they remained three games behind the Kansas City Chiefs. The win was a statement that Buffalo could compete with the NFL’s elite on the road. For the Lions, the loss dropped them to 12-2, allowing the Philadelphia Eagles to close the gap for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Both teams demonstrated Super Bowl potential, with offenses capable of overwhelming even the best defenses.

Standout Performers

• Josh Allen (Bills): His 432 total yards (362 passing, 70 rushing) and four touchdowns earned him game MVP honors. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs was the difference-maker.

• Jared Goff (Lions): Despite the loss, Goff’s 494 yards and five touchdowns were a masterclass in quarterback play, showcasing his precision and poise.

• James Cook (Bills): His 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns provided balance to Buffalo’s attack, with his 41-yard score being a game-changer.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions): His 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown kept Detroit in the game, proving why he’s a top-tier receiver.

• Christian Benford (Bills): His sack and forced fumble were pivotal defensive plays that swung momentum in Buffalo’s favor.

Why This Game Matters

This matchup wasn’t just about stats—it was a potential Super Bowl preview. The Bills and Lions are among the NFL’s elite, with dynamic offenses and quarterbacks capable of carrying their teams deep into the playoffs. The game highlighted the importance of defensive stops in high-scoring affairs, as Buffalo’s three sacks and forced fumble proved to be the difference. For fans, it was a reminder of why football is so thrilling: big plays, clutch moments, and a nail-biting finish.

Looking Ahead

The Bills face a favorable schedule to close out the regular season, with games against the Patriots and Jets, as they aim to secure a high playoff seed. The Lions, meanwhile, have a chance to rebound against the 4-9 Chicago Bears, with their sights set on the NFC’s top seed. Both teams are poised for deep playoff runs, and a postseason rematch would be a treat for fans.

Conclusion

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 leading their teams in a 48-42 thriller. The player stats tell the story of a game filled with explosive plays, from Allen’s dual-threat dominance to Goff’s 494-yard masterpiece. James Cook and Ty Johnson provided key contributions for the Bills, while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs kept the Lions competitive. Defensively, Buffalo’s ability to generate sacks and a turnover proved decisive. This game will be remembered as one of the most exciting of the 2024 season, with both teams proving they’re among the NFL’s best.