DETROIT — In a thrilling NFL showdown, Josh Allen showcased his remarkable skills during the game against the Detroit Lions, which the Buffalo Bills won 48-42. Allen executed a 28-yard pass to James Cook after taking a shotgun snap and maneuvering inside the pocket, marking another standout performance from the MVP candidate. His early efforts included two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and two more touchdown passes in the latter half of the game, effectively leading the Bills to break the Lions’ impressive 11-game winning streak.
Throughout the match, Allen displayed his exceptional ability to extend plays, utilizing his mobility to evade defenders and locate open receivers. His scrambles, described by Allen as “scramble drills,” proved effective against the struggling Lions defense, further underlining his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
With a completion rate of 23 out of 34 and a season-high 362 passing yards, Allen also connected with Khalil Shakir and Ray Davis for touchdowns. In addition, he showcased his rushing abilities by carrying the ball 11 times for 68 yards and two scores, coming off a previous game where he made NFL history by both throwing and rushing for three touchdowns.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the challenges posed by Allen, stating, “He poses a huge issue.” Notably, Allen, standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing 237 pounds, carried on his impressive streak of throwing for multiple touchdowns while rushing for more in a game, a feat he has accomplished six times—a league record. The victory for the Bills, who are now 11-3 and champions of the AFC East, marks their eighth win in nine matches, including a significant win against the Kansas City Chiefs, the two-time Super Bowl champions.
Buffalo’s coach, Sean McDermott, commented on his team’s performance, saying they need to maintain this level of play moving forward. Meanwhile, Lions quarterback Jared Goff matched his career-best by tossing five touchdown passes, but the loss leaves Detroit at 12-2, allowing the Minnesota Vikings a chance to tie for the division lead with a win against the Chicago Bears on Monday night.
The Bills set a franchise record with their eighth consecutive game scoring over 30 points, becoming the first NFL team since the 2013 Denver Broncos to achieve such a streak. Detroit’s defense struggled to contain the Bills, especially after losing to the Los Angeles Rams in a close contest just a week prior. Goff’s fifth touchdown came at the game’s end, connecting with Jameson Williams with only 12 seconds on the clock, but the Lions failed to recover the onside kick attempt.
Remarkably, the Bills are now part of an exclusive group in NFL history, joining the 1966 New York Giants as the only teams to score 40 or more while allowing at least 40 in consecutive games. Allen’s standout performances are turning heads as potential indicators of a Super Bowl matchup.
In the closing moments, Allen exhibited his poise, throwing a 33-yard pass on his second snap and converting crucial third downs. On a fourth-and-2 from his own 49-yard line, he successfully found Ty Johnson, setting up a touchdown for James Cook.
The Lions also did not shy away from their aggressive play style; on a fourth-and-4 from the Bills’ 46, Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown before sending a touchdown pass to Dan Skipper on a clever trick play, bringing the Lions within reach. Shortly thereafter, Goff launched a deep 66-yard throw to St. Brown that kept Detroit in the game, and Jahmyr Gibbs added two scores to narrow the gap.
Post-game, Campbell reflected on the match, asserting that the Lions now have clarity on where they stand against one of the leading teams in the AFC.
Injury updates revealed that Allen received a shoulder evaluation for reassurance and reported it was fine following a “funky fall.” Meanwhile, several Lions faced potentially concerning injuries, with Campbell fearing season-ending issues for defensive players.
Looking ahead, the Bills are set to host the New England Patriots next Sunday, while the Lions will take on the Chicago Bears the same day.
