Quick answer
- Winner
- Buffalo Bills
- Final score
- Buffalo Bills 48–42 Detroit Lions
- Halftime
- Buffalo Bills 21–14 Detroit Lions at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Jonathan Allen
- Top passer
- Jared Goff
- Biggest EPA play
- (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Game date
- 2024-12-15
Game summary
The Buffalo Bills beat the Detroit Lions 48–42 on 2024-12-15. Jonathan Allen posted a game-high +21.17 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 34 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 0 | 48 | |
| 0 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 0 | 42 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1

Jonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Passing · +21.17 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play - 2

Jared 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

James Cook III · Buffalo Bills · Rushing · +6.38 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.46 EPA/play - 6

Jahmyr Gibbs · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +5.02 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play - 7

Sam LaPorta · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +4.80 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play - 8

Jonathan Allen · Buffalo Bills · Rushing · +3.74 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP
Jonathan Allen — BUF · Passing
Jonathan Allen posted the highest total EPA (+21.17) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Buffalo Bills. Across 38 counted snaps, they averaged +0.56 EPA per play.
Jonathan Allen's top snap (+4.61 EPA): (10:23) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 26-Ty.Johnson pushed ob at DET 20 for 31 yards (31-K.Joseph).
Biggest single play (+6.69 EPA): Jared Goff — (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
Jared Goff led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) · 64 dropbacks · 59.4% completion · -1.3% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +21.12 total EPA
Jonathan 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.
| Stat | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Drive & efficiency notes
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.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Buffalo Bills: +0.36 EPA/play (99th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
- Detroit Lions: +0.18 EPA/play (86th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
- Buffalo Bills: 12 drives, +32.81 total EPA, 8 scoring drives
- Detroit Lions: 11 drives, +18.11 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns

Buffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen 
Buffalo Bills — Jonathan Allen 
Detroit Lions — Tim Patrick (Jared Goff pass) 
Buffalo Bills — James Cook III 
Detroit Lions — Dan Skipper (Jared Goff pass) 
Buffalo Bills — James Cook III 
Buffalo Bills — Khalil Shakir (Jonathan Allen pass)
Detroit Lions — A. St (Jared Goff pass) 
Detroit Lions — Jahmyr Gibbs (Jared Goff pass) 
Buffalo Bills — Ryan Davis (Jonathan Allen pass) 
Detroit Lions — Jahmyr Gibbs 
Detroit Lions — Jared Goff
Field goals

Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass 
Buffalo Bills — Tyler Bass
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Buffalo Bills won the period 14–0. Buffalo Bills found the end zone from the DET 1 (Q1 10:58) — (10:58) (No Huddle) 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 10:56) — 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 2:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q1 2:01) — 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 13:45) — (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 13:36) — 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 8:19) — (8:19) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q2 8:15) — 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 3:08) — (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 3:01) — 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 13:20) — (13:20) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Buffalo Bills added 1 points from the DET 15 (Q3 13:11) — 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 3:34) — (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 3:31) — 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 1:52) — (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 1:41) — 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.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 1:47) — (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 13:25) — (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 3:01) — (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 13:20) — (13:20) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Buffalo Bills (Q2 10:23) — (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 EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 1:52) — (1:52) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep middle to 14-A.St. Brown for 66 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Detroit Lions (Q3 5:17) — (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 10:23) — (10:23) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 26-Ty.Johnson pushed ob at DET 20 for 31 yards (31-K.Joseph).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
Buffalo Bills TD (+6) — Q1 10:58 · DET 1 · Score 6-0
(10:58) (No Huddle) 17-J.Allen up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 10:56 · 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 2:05 · DET 4 · Score 13-0
(2:05) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen right tackle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q1 2:01 · 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 13:45 · 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 13:36 · 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 8:19 · DET 6 · Score 20-7
(8:19) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q2 8:15 · 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 3:08 · 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 3:01 · 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 13:20 · DET 41 · Score 27-14
(13:20) (Shotgun) 4-J.Cook left tackle for 41 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Buffalo Bills XP (+1) — Q3 13:11 · 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 3:34 · 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 3:31 · 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 1:52 · 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 1:41 · 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.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Buffalo Bills earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Jonathan Allen (BUF) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions on 2024-12-15?
The Buffalo Bills beat the Detroit Lions 48-42 in Week 15, 2024.
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 10:58) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Allen (Q1 2:05) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Patrick (J. Goff pass) (Q2 13:45) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Cook (Q2 8:19) Detroit Lions touchdown — D. Skipper (J. Goff pass) (Q2 3:08) Buffalo Bills touchdown — J. Cook (Q3 13:20) Buffalo Bills touchdown — K. Shakir (J. Allen pass) (Q3 3:34) Detroit Lions touchdown — A. St (J. Goff pass) (Q3 1:52) 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?
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), 59.4% completion, -1.3% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +21.12 total passing EPA. Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills), 60.5% completion, +5.2% CPOE, +0.56 EPA per dropback, +21.17 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions?
Jonathan Allen (Buffalo Bills) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +21.17 total EPA on Passing plays. across 38 snaps. Their top snap (+4.61 EPA): (10:23) (Shotgun) 17-J.Allen pass deep right to 26-Ty.Johnson pushed ob at DET 20 for 31 yards (31-K.Joseph)..
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 within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Buffalo Bills
Entered 10-3 Now 11-3 W
Detroit Lions
Entered 12-1 Now 12-2 L