It’s going to be a great week for Bills fans. After dealing with a heartbreaking loss to the Rams in Week 14, the Buffalo Bills are back in the win column with a 48-42 win over the Detroit Lions. This was the biggest statement win of the year by any team in the NFL. The Bills have now beaten the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. The win over the Lions is more impressive than the Chiefs win.
Going into Week 16 at 11-3, the Bills are still in the race for the No. 1 spot in the AFC picture, but they still need Kansas City to lose two games. At this point, it’s more likely that the Bills are the second seed in the playoffs. However, that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Going into the last three games of the regular season, the Bills have nothing by divisional games left and it’s time for them to continue their domination of the AFC East. At the same time, they should enjoy this big win over the Lions and they can thank these four players for their contributions.
4 winners from Bills' dominant win over Lions
RB James Cook
For the third time this season, James Cook finished with over 100 yards on the ground and he had a highlight 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that put him in the franchise history books. He also added on 28 receiving yards. Cook averaged over seven yards per carry and had two rushing touchdowns on the day.
Buffalo was able to establish the run game which helped keep Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense off the field.
RB Ty Johnson
Instead of rookie running back Ray Davis, it was Ty Johnson who was the biggest contributor in the backfield outside of James Cook. However, Johnson’s production came through the air. He led the Bills in receiving yards (114 yards off of 5 catches). Johnson had some fantastic plays that help set the Bills up to get into scoring position.
Without him, Buffalo wouldn’t have been able to have the scoring opportunities like they had against the Lions.
DT Ed Oliver
It took him until Week 15 to finally show up, but Ed Oliver was a monster against this Lions offensive line. A unit who usually provides great protection struggled against Oliver, who has been a disappointment this year compared to last season. Oliver produced 10 pressures on Jared Goff and even had a highlight play where he completely bull-rushed over center Frank Ragnow to help create a sack.
Oliver was the best defender for Buffalo in Week 15 and there is hope that he can continue this type of production.
QB Josh Allen
I mean, is there anything else to say about Josh Allen? He’s locking up the MVP award each week and he is separating himself from the rest of the quarterbacks in this league. Over 430 total yards and 4 total touchdowns, Allen continues to show the NFL that as long as he is under center for the Bills, Buffalo will always be in the Super Bowl conversation.
Each week, he is re-writing history and creating the big plays through the air and on the ground. Allen is playing like the best player in the league and it’s not even close.