WHEC, DETROIT, MI As two of the NFL’s top teams attempt to increase their chances of receiving a postseason bye, the Buffalo Bills head to Detroit.
Buffalo Bills gameday basics:
Teams: Buffalo Bills (10-3) and Detroit Lions (12-1)
Kickoff: 4:25 pm, Sunday
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
Network: CBS
What’s on the line?
The Bills, who are 1.5 games behind the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC rankings, still have a lot to play for even though they have already secured the AFC East title. The Bills still have the Chiefs to catch up to, but Buffalo’s schedule becomes much simpler after Sunday (Jets once at home, Patriots twice). Buffalo’s chances of earning the AFC’s top seed would increase from 22% to 36% if they defeat the Lions. Click here to learn more about the Bills’ chances of receiving the one seed.
With a record of 12-1, the Lions are now one game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC championship. In addition, the Lions lead the Minnesota Vikings by one game in the NFC North division. Detroit’s leads in the NFC and their division might be further solidified if the Lions win on Sunday.
Buffalo Bills player to watch: Greg Rousseau.
In their loss to the Rams last week, the Buffalo Bills defence failed to record a single sack for the first time this season. Pressure will be crucial to keeping Lions quarterback Jared Goff under pressure when facing the NFL’s top-scoring offence, the Detroit Lions. Greg Rousseau has three sacks in the last five weeks and leads the Bills in sacks with 6.5. Rousseau’s performance will be crucial in applying pressure to one of the NFL’s top offensive lines, even though he had a poor performance in Los Angeles.
Update on injuries.
Linebacker Baylon Spector and defensive end Dawuane Smoot were activated from the injured reserve by the team. Keon Coleman, a rookie wide receiver, is now anticipated to make his first appearance since November 3. Security Kareem Jackson could play on Sunday after being promoted from the practice squad. Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp, both starting safeties, are rated as dubious.