Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats

The Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats off in an electrifying Week 15 matchup of the 2024 NFL season at Ford Field on December 15, 2024. This game, which ended with a close 48-42 victory for the Bills, was a high-octane offensive shootout that showcased the talents of two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Jared Goff. Fans were treated to a display of explosive plays, clutch performances, and some jaw-dropping stats that made this game one of the most memorable of the season. In this article, we’ll break down the key player stats, highlight standout performances, and provide an easy-to-read table summarizing the numbers, all in a human, conversational tone that’s accessible to readers of all ages.

Game Overview: A Battle of Offensive Powerhouses

Before diving into the player stats, let’s set the stage. The Bills entered the game with a 10-3 record, sitting comfortably as the No. 2 seed in the AFC, while the Lions, boasting a 12-1 record, were the NFC’s top seed. Both teams were known for their high-powered offenses, with the Lions leading the NFL in points per game (32.1) and the Bills right behind them (30.5). The game lived up to its billing as a potential Super Bowl preview, with both teams combining for a whopping 1,080 total yards and 90 points, making it the highest-scoring game of the 2024 season.

The Bills, led by Josh Allen, came out swinging, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Despite the Lions’ best efforts to keep pace, Buffalo’s early momentum and clutch plays in the final moments secured the win, snapping Detroit’s franchise-record 11-game winning streak. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the player performances that defined this epic clash.

Key Player Performances: Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen (Quarterback)

Josh Allen was the star of the show, delivering a performance that solidified his status as a leading MVP candidate. He showcased his dual-threat ability, impacting the game both through the air and on the ground. Allen threw for 362 yards, completing his passes with a 122.4 passer rating, and tossed two touchdown passes in the second half. On the ground, he rushed for 70 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a one-yard sneak in the first quarter that set the tone early.

Allen’s ability to extend plays was on full display. He averaged 3.29 seconds to throw, significantly more than his season average of 2.82, allowing him to find open receivers or scramble for crucial yards. One highlight was a 28-yard pass to running back James Cook, where Allen rolled left and threw across his body with pinpoint accuracy. His leadership and poise under pressure were key in keeping the Bills ahead in this high-scoring affair.

James Cook (Running Back)

Running back James Cook was another standout for Buffalo, proving to be a dynamic force in the run game. He carried the ball 14 times for 105 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns. His most memorable play was a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, where he cut back, shook off a defender, and sprinted to the end zone. Cook also contributed in the passing game, catching a 28-yard pass from Allen that showcased his versatility.

Ty Johnson (Running Back)

Veteran running back Ty Johnson stepped up in a big way, leading the Bills in receiving yards with an impressive 114 yards on five receptions. His ability to make big plays was evident in the first quarter, where he hauled in a 33-yard pass and a 24-yard pass on the opening drive, setting up Allen’s first touchdown. Later, he caught a 31-yard pass on a fourth-and-two play, keeping a crucial drive alive. Johnson’s performance was a testament to Buffalo’s depth and ability to get contributions from unexpected players.

Defensive Standouts

On the defensive side, the Bills were without three starters, but several players stepped up. Cornerback Christian Benford was a force, recording a sack and forcing a fumble that linebacker Matt Milano recovered, setting up a key Bills possession. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver and defensive end Greg Rousseau also contributed sacks, with the defense totaling 3.0 sacks on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Rookie safety Cole Bishop and veteran Kareem Jackson filled in admirably in the secondary, helping to limit Detroit’s explosive plays despite the Lions’ gaudy offensive output.

Key Player Performances: Detroit Lions

Jared Goff (Quarterback)

Jared Goff put on a clinic of his own, throwing for a staggering 494 yards and five touchdowns with a 118.9 passer rating. Despite the loss, Goff’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He kept the Lions in the game with his ability to find open receivers, especially in the second half when Detroit mounted a comeback attempt. Goff’s poise was evident on a third-and-10 scramble for 10 yards that set up a touchdown to offensive lineman Dan Skipper, a creative play call by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

However, Goff faced significant pressure, getting sacked three times, including a strip sack by Ed Oliver (though Detroit recovered the fumble). Despite the pressure, Goff’s 494 passing yards were a career-high, and his five touchdown passes tied his best single-game mark.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver)

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was Goff’s favorite target, hauling in 14 receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown. His ability to get open on short and intermediate routes was crucial in keeping Detroit’s offense moving. A standout moment was his 21-yard catch on a fourth-and-four, which kept a Lions drive alive. St. Brown’s performance underscored why he’s one of the NFL’s top receivers, consistently finding ways to make an impact.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back)

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs contributed 31 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown on a one-yard run in the fourth quarter. He also caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Goff, showing his value as a dual-threat back. While Gibbs’ rushing numbers were modest compared to Cook’s, his contributions in the passing game helped keep the Lions’ offense balanced.

Dan Skipper (Offensive Lineman)

In a fun twist, offensive lineman Dan Skipper made history by catching a nine-yard touchdown pass from Goff in the second quarter. The play, a clever design by the Lions’ coaching staff, saw Skipper report as an eligible receiver and slip into the flat for an easy score. It was a rare and exciting moment, marking Skipper as the third offensive lineman in Lions history to record a receiving touchdown.

Defensive Struggles

The Lions’ defense, hampered by injuries, struggled to contain Buffalo’s offense. Cornerback Carlton Davis III left early with a jaw injury, and defensive lineman Alim McNeill exited with a knee injury, further depleting an already thin unit. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold allowed 91 yards in coverage, including three explosive plays of 20+ yards. Guard Graham Glasgow had a tough day, giving up 11 pressures and two sacks, which put Goff under constant duress.

Team Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats: A Closer Look

To give you a clearer picture of how the game unfolded, here’s a quick look at the team stats:

• Total Yards: Buffalo (559), Detroit (521)

• First Downs: Buffalo (28), Detroit (30)

• Turnovers: Buffalo (0), Detroit (1)

• Possession Time: Buffalo (32:42), Detroit (27:18)

• Sacks: Buffalo (3.0), Detroit (0)

Both teams moved the ball effectively, but Buffalo’s early lead and ability to avoid turnovers gave them the edge. The Lions’ lone turnover—a fumble forced by Benford and recovered by Milano—proved costly, as it led to a Bills scoring opportunity.

Game-Changing Moments

Several moments defined this game:

1. Bills’ Fast Start: Buffalo’s defense forced a three-and-out on Detroit’s opening drive, and Allen led a seven-play, 73-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-0 lead. The Bills scored on their first three possessions, building a 21-7 lead that Detroit struggled to overcome.

2. Lions’ Trick Play: Dan Skipper’s touchdown catch in the second quarter was a momentum boost for Detroit, cutting the lead to 21-14 and showcasing their creative play-calling.

3. Missed Field Goals: Both teams missed field goals in the first half, with Buffalo’s Tyler Bass missing from 24 yards and Detroit’s Jake Bates missing from 52 yards. These misses kept the game closer than it might have been.

4. 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.

Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a clear and easy-to-read table summarizing the key player stats from the game:

Player	Team	Position	Passing Yards	Passing TDs	Rushing Yards	Rushing TDs	Receiving Yards	Receiving TDs	Sacks	Other Notable Stats
Josh Allen	Bills	QB	362	2	70	2	–	–	–	122.4 passer rating
James Cook	Bills	RB	–	–	105	2	28	0	–	7.5 yards per carry
Ty Johnson	Bills	RB	–	–	–	–	114	0	–	5 receptions
Christian Benford	Bills	CB	–	–	–	–	–	–	1.0	Forced fumble
Ed Oliver	Bills	DT	–	–	–	–	–	–	1.0	–
Greg Rousseau	Bills	DE	–	–	–	–	–	–	1.0	–
Jared Goff	Lions	QB	494	5	10	0	–	–	–	118.9 passer rating
Amon-Ra St. Brown	Lions	WR	–	–	–	–	193	1	–	14 receptions
Jahmyr Gibbs	Lions	RB	–	–	31	1	12	1	–	–
Dan Skipper	Lions	OL	–	–	–	–	9	1	–	Eligible receiver
Terrion Arnold	Lions	CB	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	91 yards allowed

Why This Game Mattered

This game wasn’t just about stats—it had massive playoff implications. The Bills’ victory kept them in contention for the AFC’s top seed, though they remained three games behind the Kansas City Chiefs. 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 showed they’re legitimate Super Bowl contenders, with offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard and defenses that, while not perfect, made enough plays to keep the game competitive.

The matchup also highlighted the MVP cases for both quarterbacks. Josh Allen’s ability to dominate with his arm and legs made him the game’s defining player, while Jared Goff’s 494-yard, five-touchdown performance showed he’s among the league’s elite passers. Fans and analysts alike will be talking about this game for years, especially if these teams meet again in the postseason.

What’s Next for Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Both Teams?

For the Bills, the win was a statement that they can compete with the NFL’s best, even on the road against a 12-1 team. They’ll look to carry this momentum into their final games, facing easier opponents like the Patriots and Jets, as they aim to secure a high playoff seed. The Lions, despite the loss, remain a formidable force. With a favorable schedule ahead, including a matchup against the 4-9 Chicago Bears, they’ll aim to regain their footing and lock up the NFC’s top seed.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats on December 15, 2024, was a showcase of offensive firepower, with Josh Allen and Jared Goff leading their teams in a thrilling 48-42 shootout. From Allen’s dual-threat heroics to Goff’s near-500-yard passing day, the player stats tell the story of two teams firing on all cylinders. Standout performances from James Cook, Ty Johnson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and even Dan Skipper added to the excitement, making this a game for the ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the stats and moments from this matchup are easy to appreciate—and they set the stage for what could be an epic playoff rematch.