Josh Allen rebounds as Bills win in Detroit; Lions’ loss brings another Thanksgiving bummer

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The Buffalo Bills escaped Thanksgiving day with a 28-25 win over the Lions at Ford Field, ending Detroit’s three-game winning streak. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Bills kicker Tyler Bass drilled a 45-yard field goal with two seconds left in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Bass one-upped the Lions’ Michael Badgley as the Detroit kicker nailed a 51-yard field goal with 23 seconds left in regulation to even the game 25-25.
  • Josh Allen was more up than down with three total TDs (two passing, one rushing). But the Bills (8-3) quarterback threw his fifth red zone interception in six games when the Lions’ Alex Anzalone snagged a pick in the third quarter.
  • Stefon Diggs and Isaiah McKenzie hauled in Allen’s two TD passes.
  • Lions (4-7) wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown added nine receptions for 122 yards and one TD, while running back Jamaal Williams added his league-leading 13th rushing TD. Jared Goff threw two TDs and no interceptions.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

How Allen shook off issues

Allen saved his best efforts of the game for the end of the game. After looking uneven for much of the second half, Allen and the Bills offense delivered on a 90-yard touchdown drive to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. And then after the Lions tied the game with a field goal, a 36-yard frozen rope to receiver Diggs put the Bills in field goal range after just one play with 23 seconds remaining. It was a gutsy end of game scenario for the Bills’ offense, but questions remain about the rest of their, at times, lifeless performance. Regardless, Allen is now three-for-three on Thanksgiving Day games. Injuries dictated the day for the Bills. — Buscaglia

Cornerback Tre’Davious White made his season debut in Detroit, but the Bills decided to ease him in despite starting the game. It was White’s first game since he tore his ACL last year, and played only the first two defensive series. The Bills then didn’t use him again the rest of the game, instead using a combination of Dane Jackson, Christian Benford and Kaiir Elam. It’s worth noting that White did not play after Von Miller left the game with a knee injury. It remains to be seen if White will be used more next week. — Buscaglia

Miller brings more injury concerns

The immediate rule out is never a good sign, but it forced the Bills into a three-man rotation at defensive end from that point forward. And they were already down their second and third-best defensive ends before the game as well. Left tackle Dion Dawkins also left the game after the half with an ankle injury and did not return, leaving the struggling David Quessenberry in the game. — Buscaglia

Another Lions Thanksgiving bummer

Everything was there for a Thanksgiving upset. The Lions had the ball late against the Bills, trailing by three. They reached Buffalo territory. But Dan Campbell saved his timeouts, perhaps in an attempt to wind down the clock and play for overtime. A third-and-1 play to keep the chains moving resulted in a missed downfield shot to D.J. Chark. Instead of a fourth-down attempt, Badgley entered the game and converted a 51-yard field goal to tie the game with 23 seconds to go.

It was good, but the tie never felt safe. That’s because of Allen and Diggs. One pass put Buffalo into field goal range against a depleted Detroit secondary. The Lions, once again, were competitive in a game. This time, against a team that entered the season with Super Bowl expectations. But a loss like this doesn’t hurt any less for Campbell and company. The Lions had their chances and couldn’t get it done. They’ll look to bounce back next week vs. the Jaguars at home. — Pouncy

Key stats

Highlights of the game

Required reading

(Photo: David Reginek / USA Today)



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