December 15th at Detroit is the Game of the Year

[Mikie2times]

As many of you recall, we met last on Thanksgiving day, 2022. We won that game by the slimmest of margins 28-25 with Allen going nearly the length of the field in seconds to set up a game winning field goal. Detroit had us on the ropes in that game. We were totally off balance on defense often seeing Detroit run the ball on third down regardless of  distance. They went 3 for 3 that day on 4th down conversions. It had that "escape" feel when it was over. It likely only went that direction as a result of Detroit getting too conservative at the very end, opting for a field goal in 4th and short vs going for it with a first down likely ending the game. 

 

Since that game the collective record of the two teams is 55-18. Detroit has a 1.5 game edge on us since then. We will be facing elite coaching, excellent power run game and rightfully, the current Super Bowl favorite. We will have aspirations of the #1 seed on the line as Detroit is far and away the hardest game left on our schedule. Detroit is also becoming a rather difficult place to play. It's pretty simple to me, if we really want to know how this team stacks up for a potential Super Bowl run you will know after that game. They can throw haymaker and have balance like the Colts, Bengals, Titans, and Ravens in the past, teams that were able to knock us out when so few can. They're very hard nose. Houston just beat the living crap out of them and they found a way. 

 

As all this relates to the timing of the KC game, well, massive win, clearly. They either round into playoff form, at which point I will have a hard time drawing any conclusions from it or they won't, at which point we have bigger fish to fry. Detroit being the biggest if we can eventually make it that far. I just don't see anybody in the NFC pushing them. Another side note, being from that area, a Detroit & Buffalo Super Bowl would be epic. I also imagine it would be a massive ratings draw. Already getting chills for this one. 

[NickelCity]

Feels similar to the Chiefs game: a win would be great for the one seed and an absolute blast (and help Allen with the MVP), but it's a placeholder until the postseason (in this case...February). 

[Mikie2times]

1 minute ago, NickelCity said:

Feels similar to the Chiefs game: a win would be great for the one seed and an absolute blast (and help Allen with the MVP), but it's a placeholder until the postseason (in this case...February). 

Given the history of us and the Chiefs in the regular season and how they're playing right now, again, massive win and it is #2 in my book. but this Detroit game is at another level. With how hot they're and being the rightful Super Bowl favorites. A lot of people want to get a barometer on this team as we balance such a solid win vs the Baltimore/Houston debacles. To me, this is a true litmus test. In the end just another regular season game? Sure. But even a real negative nancy like me will start feeling the mojo if we can compete in that spot. I don't even think I need to see the W. I just want to play well. 

[QB Bills]

I'd be surprised if the Bills pull that one out. And I don't really care too much if they do. Just stay healthy going into the playoffs and beat those guys in New Orleans Feb 9.

[mannc]

17 minutes ago, Mikie2times said:

As many of you recall, we met last on Thanksgiving day, 2022. We won that game by the slimmest of margins 28-25 with Allen going nearly the length of the field in seconds to set up a game winning field goal. Detroit had us on the ropes in that game. We were totally off balance on defense often seeing Detroit run the ball on third down regardless of  distance. They went 3 for 3 that day on 4th down conversions. It had that "escape" feel when it was over. It likely only went that direction as a result of Detroit getting too conservative at the very end, opting for a field goal in 4th and short vs going for it with a first down likely ending the game. 

 

Since that game the collective record of the two teams is 55-18. Detroit has a 1.5 game edge on us since then. We will be facing elite coaching, excellent power run game and rightfully, the current Super Bowl favorite. We will have aspirations of the #1 seed on the line as Detroit is far and away the hardest game left on our schedule. Detroit is also becoming a rather difficult place to play. It's pretty simple to me, if we really want to know how this team stacks up for a potential Super Bowl run you will know after that game. They can throw haymaker and have balance like the Colts, Bengals, Titans, and Ravens in the past, teams that were able to knock us out when so few can. They're very hard nose. Houston just beat the living crap out of them and they found a way. 

 

As all this relates to the timing of the KC game, well, massive win, clearly. They either round into playoff form, at which point I will have a hard time drawing any conclusions from it or they won't, at which point we have bigger fish to fry. Detroit being the biggest if we can eventually make it that far. I just don't see anybody in the NFC pushing them. Another side note, being from that area, a Detroit & Buffalo Super Bowl would be epic. I also imagine it would be a massive ratings draw. Already getting chills for this one. 

I don’t think so.  Lions game will generate a lot of interest, but there is no rivalry and the game’s significance is nothing like the game against undefeated KC, a conference opponent.  Plus, Allen v Mahomes > Allen v Goff.

[Jauronimo]

I just hope everyone makes it out of that game with their joints intact. 

 

Detroit was built for blowing out hapless schmucks.  They've been in close games against every quality opponent.  I'm not ready to crown them.  

[That's No Moon]

27 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

Feels similar to the Chiefs game: a win would be great for the one seed and an absolute blast (and help Allen with the MVP), but it's a placeholder until the postseason (in this case...February). 

Agreed.  A win would be nice, but hopefully it's the hors d'oeuvre for this party.  Kind of reminds me of Bills/Giants in December 1990.  Timing is similar, situation is similar.

[julian]

22 minutes ago, Mikie2times said:

Given the history of us and the Chiefs in the regular season and how they're playing right now, again, massive win and it is #2 in my book. but this Detroit game is at another level. With how hot they're and being the rightful Super Bowl favorites. A lot of people want to get a barometer on this team as we balance such a solid win vs the Baltimore/Houston debacles. To me, this is a true litmus test. In the end just another regular season game? Sure. But even a real negative nancy like me will start feeling the mojo if we can compete in that spot. I don't even think I need to see the W. I just want to play well. 

They could play well and still lose by 2 scores in their building, that’s how good they’ve been especially at home.

 

 I’m chalking this up as the Bills last loss, get outta Detroit healthy finish 14-3 and get the 1 seed.

[That's No Moon]

13 minutes ago, mannc said:

I don’t think so.  Lions game will generate a lot of interest, but there is no rivalry and the game’s significance is nothing like the game against undefeated KC, a conference opponent.  Plus, Allen v Mahomes > Allen v Goff.

Ticket prices are higher than the KC game, that's for sure.  I looked yesterday just for giggles.  $450 to get in the door.

[BigDingus]

If we beat the Lions, it'll change all my expectations of this season.

 

Despite being 9-2, I still can't quite accept that they're genuine SB contenders. Call it being a lifetime Bills fan, always waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I've mainly been hoping to see Allen win an MVP & beat KC in the playoffs.

 

Super Bowl hasn't been something I truly thought was possible this season, but a win over the Lions & the Chiefs would certainly change that.