Game story
In Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season on 2024-12-15, the Buffalo Bills took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 48–42 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 34 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Goff (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +21.12 total EPA, and -1.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +21.17 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-10.5% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Buffalo Bills changed the game: (1:47) 2-T.Bass 24 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | 14 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 0 | 48 |
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 0 | 42 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +21.17 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
- 2 J. Goff · Detroit Lions · Passing · +21.12 total EPA · 64 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 3 A.St. Brown · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +13.18 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 4 Ty. Johnson · Buffalo Bills · Receiving · +12.00 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.40 EPA/play
- 5 J. Cook · Buffalo Bills · Rushing · +6.38 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play
- 6 J. Gibbs · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +5.02 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
- 7 S. LaPorta · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +4.80 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 8 J. Allen · Buffalo Bills · Rushing · +3.74 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Allen — BUF · Passing
J. Allen posted the highest total EPA (+21.17) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Buffalo Bills's efficiency. Across 38 counted snaps, they averaged +0.56 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.69 EPA) came from Detroit Lions: (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Buffalo Bills — J. Allen
- Buffalo Bills — J. Allen
- Detroit Lions — T. Patrick (J. Goff pass)
- Buffalo Bills — J. Cook
- Detroit Lions — D. Skipper (J. Goff pass)
- Buffalo Bills — J. Cook
- Buffalo Bills — K. Shakir (J. Allen pass)
- Detroit Lions — A. St (J. Goff pass)
- Detroit Lions — J. Gibbs (J. Goff pass)
- Buffalo Bills — R. Davis (J. Allen pass)
- Detroit Lions — J. Gibbs
- Detroit Lions — J. Goff
Field goals
- Buffalo Bills — T. Bass
- Buffalo Bills — T. Bass
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 14–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 55:58) — (10:58) (No Huddle) 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 55:56) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q1 47:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 47:01) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin..
The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 14–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the BUF 12 (Q2 43:45) — (13:45) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 17-T.Patrick for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 43:36) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 6 (Q2 38:19) — (8:19) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 38:15) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the BUF 9 (Q2 33:08) — (3:08) 70-D.Skipper reported in as eligible. 16-J.Goff pass short left to 70-D.Skipper for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q2 33:01) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox..
The third quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 14–7. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 41 (Q3 28:20) — (13:20) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 28:11) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 3 (Q3 18:34) — (3:34) 70-A.Anderson reported in as eligible. 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 10-K.Shakir for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 18:31) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the BUF 66 (Q3 16:52) — (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q3 16:41) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox..
The fourth quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 21–13. Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the DET 32 (Q4 14:06) — (14:06) 2-T.Bass 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the BUF 12 (Q4 12:09) — (12:09) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 26-J.Gibbs for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 12:00) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q4 11:55) — (11:55) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 22-R.Davis for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q4 11:51) — 2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the BUF 1 (Q4 8:07) — (8:07) (Shotgun) 26-J.Gibbs up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 8:02) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.; Buffalo Bills connected on a field goal from the DET 23 (Q4 2:06) — (2:06) 2-T.Bass 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the BUF 3 (Q4 0:16) — (:16) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 9-Ja.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the BUF 15 (Q4 0:12) — 39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 31:47) — (1:47) 2-T.Bass 24 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin.
- Buffalo Bills (Q1 58:25) — (13:25) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep left to 26-Ty.Johnson to DET 35 for 33 yards (10-K.Alexander).
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 33:01) — (3:01) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 0-K.Coleman to DET 6 for 64 yards (30-K.Dorsey; 0-T.Arnold). PENALTY on DET-10-K.Alexander, Roughing the Passer, 3 yards, enforced at DET 6.
- Buffalo Bills (Q3 28:20) — (13:20) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 40:23) — (10:23) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 26-Ty.Johnson pushed ob at DET 20 for 31 yards (31-K.Joseph).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 16:52) — (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 20:17) — (5:17) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown to DET 47 for 18 yards (47-C.Benford). FUMBLES (47-C.Benford), RECOVERED by BUF-58-M.Milano at DET 41. PENALTY on DET-60-G.Glasgow, Face M
- Buffalo Bills (Q4 12:00) — 39-J.Bates kicks onside 8 yards from DET 35 to DET 43. 13-M.Hollins to DET 5 for 38 yards (13-C.Reynolds).
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 40:23) — (10:23) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 26-Ty.Johnson pushed ob at DET 20 for 31 yards (31-K.Joseph).
Quarterback report card
J.Goff led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Goff (Detroit Lions) · 64 dropbacks · 59.4% completion · -1.3% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +21.12 total EPA
- J.Allen (Buffalo Bills) · 38 dropbacks · 60.5% completion · +5.2% CPOE · +0.56 EPA/play · +21.17 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Buffalo Bills | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.365 | +0.183 |
| Offensive success rate | 60.0% | 54.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.557 | +0.330 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.293 | -0.286 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.183 | -0.365 |
| Defensive success rate | 45.5% | 40.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Buffalo Bills generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.36 vs +0.18), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Buffalo Bills: 12 drives, +32.81 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +18.11 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Buffalo Bills leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Allen (BUF) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q1 55:58 · DET 1 · Score 6-0
(10:58) (No Huddle) 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 55:56 · DET 15 · Score 7-0
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q1 47:05 · DET 4 · Score 13-0
(2:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 47:01 · DET 15 · Score 14-0
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 43:45 · BUF 12 · Score 14-6
(13:45) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 17-T.Patrick for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 43:36 · BUF 15 · Score 14-7
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q2 38:19 · DET 6 · Score 20-7
(8:19) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 38:15 · DET 15 · Score 21-7
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 33:08 · BUF 9 · Score 21-13
(3:08) 70-D.Skipper reported in as eligible. 16-J.Goff pass short left to 70-D.Skipper for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 33:01 · BUF 15 · Score 21-14
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 28:20 · DET 41 · Score 27-14
(13:20) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q3 28:11 · DET 15 · Score 28-14
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q3 18:34 · DET 3 · Score 34-14
(3:34) 70-A.Anderson reported in as eligible. 17-J.Allen pass short middle to 10-K.Shakir for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q3 18:31 · DET 15 · Score 35-14
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 16:52 · BUF 66 · Score 35-20
(1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 16:41 · BUF 15 · Score 35-21
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q4 14:06 · DET 32 · Score 38-21
(14:06) 2-T.Bass 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 12:09 · BUF 12 · Score 38-27
(12:09) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short middle to 26-J.Gibbs for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 12:00 · BUF 15 · Score 38-28
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q4 11:55 · DET 5 · Score 44-28
(11:55) 17-J.Allen pass short right to 22-R.Davis for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q4 11:51 · DET 15 · Score 45-28
2-T.Bass extra point is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 8:07 · BUF 1 · Score 45-34
(8:07) (Shotgun) 26-J.Gibbs up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 8:02 · BUF 15 · Score 45-35
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox. - Buffalo Bills FG (+3) — Q4 2:06 · DET 23 · Score 48-35
(2:06) 2-T.Bass 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-69-R.Ferguson, Holder-8-S.Martin. - Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 0:16 · BUF 3 · Score 48-41
(:16) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 9-Ja.Williams for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 0:12 · BUF 15 · Score 48-42
39-J.Bates extra point is GOOD, Center-49-H.Hatten, Holder-3-J.Fox.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
The Buffalo Bills beat the Detroit Lions 48-42 in Week 15, 2024 on 2024-12-15.
What was the final score of Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
The final score was Buffalo Bills 48, Detroit Lions 42 (BUF 48-42 DET) in Week 15, 2024 on 2024-12-15.
What was the score by quarter in Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
Q1: Buffalo Bills 14, Detroit Lions 0; Q2: Buffalo Bills 7, Detroit Lions 14; Q3: Buffalo Bills 14, Detroit Lions 7; Q4: Buffalo Bills 13, Detroit Lions 21; Final: Buffalo Bills 48, Detroit Lions 42.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q1 55:58) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q1 47:05) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Patrick (J. Goff pass) (Q2 43:45) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Cook (Q2 38:19) Detroit Lions touchdown — D. Skipper (J. Goff pass) (Q2 33:08) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Cook (Q3 28:20) Buffalo Bills touchdown — K. Shakir (J. Allen pass) (Q3 18:34) Detroit Lions touchdown — A. St (J. Goff pass) (Q3 16:52) Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Gibbs (J. Goff pass) (Q4 12:09) Buffalo Bills touchdown — R. Davis (J. Allen pass) (Q4 11:55) Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Gibbs (Q4 8:07) Detroit Lions touchdown — J. Goff (Q4 0:16) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q4 14:06, 3 pts) Buffalo Bills field goal — T. Bass (Q4 2:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
J. Goff (Detroit Lions), 59.4% completion, -1.3% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +21.12 total passing EPA. J. Allen (Buffalo Bills), 60.5% completion, +5.2% CPOE, +0.56 EPA per dropback, +21.17 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
J. Allen (Buffalo Bills) led the game in total EPA with +21.17 on passing plays. across 38 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.69 EPA): (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -10.5%.
Was Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Buffalo Bills won 48-42 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Buffalo Bills
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 12-1 Now 12-2 L
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