NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
With the upcoming matchups between the Buffalo Bills/Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers/Philadelphia Eagles, we’re getting treated to some of the better matchups of the 2024-2025 season. Between these 4 teams, there are 43 total wins, 9 losses, and 4 division leads.
On one hand, you have the Buffalo Bills who need to prove they’re legit contenders to the Chiefs’ throne taking on the Detroit Lions who are currently proving to be the most complete team in the NFL. On the other hand, you have the battle in Pennsylvania, where both teams desperately need to win. Which matchup should be considered the game of the week? Let’s break down all 4 teams:
Eagles
Despite their record, the Philadelphia Eagles face a must-win. They’re in no danger of losing their spot at the top of the NFC East this week, but they’re sandwiched at their current standings in the conference. Not only are they one game behind the Detroit Lions, but they’re also only one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings. With the rumblings of unhappy receivers being brought into the public eye, nothing shuts down the finger-pointing quite like the success of beating a tough opponent. A win this weekend could quiet some naysayers.
Steelers
Remember the mutiny in the ranks when Mike Tomlin was making a change at quarterback in favor of starting Russell Wilson over Justin Fields? A 10-win season will quickly silence that crowd. It has been a while since the Steelers looked like they were ready to make a run at the Super Bowl but they could be knocking on the door. Even in his previous winning seasons, there was never a sense that the Steelers might have enough to get there. Russell Wilson has the Steelers believing again. He’s gone from washed up to team leader in under a year and the Steelers are beating the teams they need to along the way.
Game of the Week Implications:
The Chiefs might be sitting alone atop the AFC for now, but Pittsburgh isn’t far behind. Philadelphia has a firm grasp on their division but a first-round bye is also not out of reach. Whether you’re playing for the playoff bye week or on the bubble for elimination, this late in the season every game counts. This is a statement game for both teams
Bills
Buffalo is coming off a tough loss against the LA Rams. When a quarterback can score 3 rushing touchdowns and 3 passing TDs, you better have won the game. They didn’t. It was a tough loss for the Bills and they might be looking for redemption. The problem is, it won’t come easy. They’re in firm control of their division but not their destiny. Another tough loss and their playoff hopes might dwindle in some circles.
Lions
The Detroit Lions have almost as many wins this season as they did the first two combined under Dan Campbell. They were easily one of the top-performing offenses in the league last season and are back on their grind this season. The best part is, they seem to have improved on both sides of the football. They’re seven seasons removed from their Wild Card week exit in 2016 and this is the best they’ve looked since. Despite the injuries piling up, the Lions are showing their faith in Dan Campbell and playing like they have nothing to lose.
Game of the Week Implications:
The Detroit Lions might not be producing their best brand of football week in and week out, but they’re finding ways to win. It wasn’t too long ago that they were a 5-6 win team losing games by one score or less. Now they’re the talk of the NFC. Buffalo has been hanging around the Super Bowl talk for years but never can quite get over the hump. Despite losing key players they still seem to be contenders playing their best brand of football.
At the end of the day, both games are huge for all 4 teams. The Lions can extend their NFC lead if they win. If they lose and Philly wins, that race gets a lot tighter. Same thing with the Bills and Steelers. Each of them might be playing for second place unless the Chiefs finally lose another close game, which could happen. However, neither team can afford to take the L this late in the season. Two games this weekend that could affect the playoffs will also feel like a playoff game themselves. Who needs the win more?
