In a highly anticipated clash of Super Bowl contenders, the Buffalo Bills outlasted the Detroit Lions in a 48-42 shootout at Ford Field on Sunday.
Behind a dominant display from quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo secured its 11th win of the season, halting Detroit’s 11-game winning streak in the process.
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Allen, widely regarded as the NFL’s MVP front-runner, delivered yet another signature performance, accounting for four total touchdowns and a staggering 430 yards of offense.
He completed 23 of 34 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns while adding 68 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
The Bills’ offense was relentless, amassing 559 total yards and averaging an impressive 8.2 yards per play.
Buffalo jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, with Allen scoring the team’s first two touchdowns on the ground.
The Lions, however, refused to go quietly.
Jared Goff led Detroit’s offense with 494 passing yards and five touchdowns, keeping the game competitive until the final moments.
Despite a late rally that brought the Lions within six points, Buffalo recovered an onside kick with 12 seconds left to seal the victory.
Allen’s ability to spread the ball around was on full display as he connected with nine different receivers, continuing his case for the league’s highest individual honor.
In his last two games alone, Allen has accounted for 10 touchdowns-five through the air and five on the ground.
Despite a postgame trip to the X-ray room after a hard fall, Allen assured reporters there was no cause for concern.
“Just took a funky fall,” he said.
“More peace of mind than anything. Everything checked out fine.”
With the win, the Bills improved to 11-3, keeping them in contention for the AFC’s top playoff seed.
Meanwhile, the Lions, now tied with the Eagles atop the NFC standings at 12-2, will look to bounce back next week against the Bears.
Buffalo’s victory underscores its status as a perennial contender, and with Allen at the helm, the Bills seem primed for a deep postseason run.
