NFL
By: Charlie Gross
With wins against the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 at 4 pm and against the Saints in 2021 at 8 pm, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills enter this game with Detroit needing a win to complete the “Turkey Day Timeslot Trifecta”. Since the NFL added a third Thanksgiving game, no team has won in all three-time slots. However, there’s much more at stake for Allen and his teammates. After two shaky losses to the Jets and Vikings, followed by a “survive and advance” type win against the Browns, the Bills find themselves in second place in the AFC East and fighting for a wild card spot in the playoffs. Gone is the division lead and the 1st round bye tiebreaker they once held over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bills on Offense
After a “get right game” for the offensive line, the running game, and Josh Allen’s mental focus (hopefully), the Buffalo Bills offense is greeted with an excellent opportunity to get back into the groove of things. The Detroit Lions rank 25th in defensive DVOA, 31st in points allowed, and 27th in pass yards allowed, and the Lions will be without up-and-coming cornerback Jeff Okudah, who has already been ruled out with a concussion. Conditions are shaping up for Josh Allen and his receivers to put on a show this Thursday when it comes to the passing game. Buffalo’s run game came to life against the Browns last week, and it should continue this week. Add great performances from the offensive line, James Cook and Devin Singletary to the Lions’ inept run defense, and it could set up as another big day for the Buffalo Bills run game. Detroit currently ranks 30th in rushing yards allowed, and 31st in rushing TDs allowed. Going back to the passing game, the win against the Browns was a day for the other guys not named Stefon Diggs to excel. Gabe Davis and Dawson Knox were both prominent players in the win and I hope that continues, especially the usage of Dawson Knox. I know the Bills use him a lot as a blocker but you don’t pay a guy with his athletic profile and 2021 production, 13 million a year to block. Josh Allen needs to target Knox more often and more consistently.
Bills on Defense
Reinforcements seem to be coming, sort of. While Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Tremaine Edmunds, and Tre White remain unable to play, Jordan Poyer, Kaiir Elam, and Damar Hamlin are ready to go. It’s clear that the defense isn’t the same without Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, it’s also clear Poyer might make a more noticeable impact. When he plays, the Buffalo Bills just look and feel different. Hopefully, the health of these three players helps the pass rush, which has not looked great recently, especially the interior pass rush. The Buffalo Bills need more from Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips, and Tim Settle. Luckily for the Bills, the Lions are missing their top 4 offensive guards and their star center Frank Ragnow has also been limited in practice this week. Serious questions should be asked if the Bills interior lineman can’t manage to wreak havoc on Jared Goff this week. This won’t be a cakewalk for the Bills defense. Detroit has some good players on offense in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamaal Williams, D’Andre Swift, and Penei Sewell. The Lions are 8th in yards for and 9th in points scored. As you can see the offense hasn’t really been the issue for the Lions.
PREDICTION
While the Buffalo Bills will miss players like Tre White, Greg Rousseau, and Tremaine Edmunds, I think that Buffalo’s superior talent and the Lions own injuries will be too much for Detroit to overcome. I see the Bills winning this game to move to 8-3.
Find me on Twitter @TTP_Charlie
Buy your Bills Gear Here
