The Bills raced to a 21–0 lead and never surrendered control. Detroit fought back behind Jared Goff, but Buffalo answered every serious challenge with Josh Allen and a dominant rushing attack.
Game Leaders
Josh Allen: 20-of-31, 248 yards, 3 passing TDs; 69 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs James Cook 21 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD Jared Goff: 26-of-38, 327 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs Amon-Ra St. Brown:9 catches, 142 yards, 2 TDs
The Difference
Buffalo demolished Detroit on the ground, 203–66, while converting 9 of 12 third downs and finishing 5-for-5 in the red zone. The Bills produced 34 first downs, 446 total yards and committed no turnovers.
Detroit’s passing game kept the score respectable, but its defense could not stop Allen or Cook. Buffalo controlled the line of scrimmage, sustained drives and scored touchdowns whenever Detroit threatened to make it close.
S³ Verdict
Buffalo exceeded the S³ offensive benchmark by 17 points, but allowing 31 prevents this from being a Complete Performance. This was an offensive statement and another reminder that Allen carries one of the league’s highest burdens.
S³ prediction: Bills 34, Lions 31 Final: Bills 41, Lions 31
S³ selected the correct winner and nailed Detroit’s score exactly. Buffalo simply delivered one extra touchdown.
