The Detroit Lions are preparing for a crucial game against the Buffalo Bills, but they face some concerning news heading into the matchup.
Despite a string of victories, even with several players sidelined due to injuries, the Lions have shown resilience. As they approach their game on Sunday, November 15, against the Buffalo Bills, the team is making efforts to strengthen its lineup, though certain areas remain problematic.
Detroit Lions Severely Lacking in One Position
One position that is particularly weak right now is linebacker, which could impact the Lions’ performance. Several key players in that role are on injured reserve, including Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Additionally, Trevor Nowaske has been placed in concussion protocol and will not play in Sunday’s game.
The Lions have done well filling in for injured players and are attempting to address the linebacker gap once again. On Saturday, they elevated two players to help bolster the position: Abraham Beauplan and Jamal Adams.
For Adams, this game will mark his second consecutive week on the active roster. The veteran signed with the practice squad two weeks ago to help cover the injury gaps. Beauplan, who has been moving between the practice squad and main roster all season, will make his third appearance with the Lions in this game, having already participated in Weeks 9 and 10, albeit on special teams.
For Sunday’s game against the Bills, the Lions’ linebacker corps will feature Kwon Alexander, Jack Campbell, David Long Jr., Ezekiel Turner, Ben Niemann, Adams, and Beauplan. While the team would certainly benefit from having Anzalone, Rodriguez, and the other injured linebackers back, they will have to make do with what they have.
Lions vs. Bills Game Might Fall Short of Expectations for Excitement
The Lions vs. Bills game might not be the high-scoring spectacle many expect. Hamza Baccouche, a special teams expert at Pride of Detroit, suggests that the game could actually turn into a “low-scoring slugfest.” He explains that both teams boast strong defenses, which could lead to a more defensive-oriented game. The Bills’ pass defense is ranked 11th, while their run defense ranks 8th in DVOA. Meanwhile, the Lions’ pass defense is ranked 1st, and their run defense is 6th, a testament to their defensive strength despite the injuries.
It’s not just the defenses that could make the game less exciting, according to Baccouche. He also predicts a “hangover effect” for the Bills.
“After watching the Bills put up 42 points a week ago, it’s easy to think they’re going to do the same to the Lions,” Baccouche stated in a December 14 feature. “But often times it’s the opposite effect.”
He also pointed out that Buffalo had a “thrilling game” last weekend but ultimately “came up short,” making it difficult to replicate such an effort. However, Baccouche notes that the Lions “are coming off of a close win with three extra days of rest and several players returning to full health.”
Although Bills’ insiders predict a tight win for Buffalo, with Chris Jenkins, senior director of content, forecasting a 28-24 victory, it remains to be seen how the game will unfold.
