Game Predictions | Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions

Bill’s story to watch: Can the Bills’ defense rebound from last week’s loss to the Rams? The unit is coming off its worst performance of the season, allowing 44 points and conversions on 11 of 15 third-down attempts. A significant challenge awaits in the league’s highest scoring offense (32.1 points per game). “I think we’ve got to get back to good fundamental football,” coach Sean McDermott said of the rebounding defense. “I think that’s really where it starts and playing with a certain attitude.” — Alaina Getzenberg

Lions history to watch: The Lions are aware that this could be one Super Bowl LIX previewbut the mindset coming into this week is no different. Three of the four NFC North teams have at least nine wins, so Detroit has been tested in its division en route to clinching a playoff spot already. Security Kerby Joseph is one of the guys in the locker room who doesn’t allow teammates to make this game bigger than it is. “When I go against a team like this, I feel like they’ve got guys, but we’ve got guys, too,” Joseph told ESPN. “It’s just a competition to go head-to-head against the best.” — Eric Woodyard

State to know: The Bills have scored 30-plus points in seven straight games, the longest streak in franchise history and one shy of the longest in NFL history.

Bold prediction: The Lions will block a punt. The Bills allow a 14% pressure rate on punts according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s the second-highest rate in the league behind only the 49ers. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Lions have a 75.7% chance to win the No. 1 in the NFC, according to ESPN Analytics, which increases to 84.9% with a win. The Bills’ odds to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC increases to 30% with a win.

Fantasy X Factor: Lions run back David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. This duo is on fire this season, averaging 32.6 touches and 34.6 fantasy points per game. battle behind a Detroit offensive line that ranks 13th in run block win rate (71.9%). The Bills’ defense gives up the third most fantasy points per game. battle for running backs. See rankings in week 15. — Moody

Game block: The Bills have outscored their team in total in 11 of 13 games, the highest mark in the NFL.

Kahler’s Choice: Lions 30, Bills 28

Moody’s Choice: Bills 33, Lions 30

Walder’s choice: Lions 30, Bills 24

FPI Prediction: IT, 57.5% (with an average of 2.6 points)