Detroit at Buffalo NFL Preseason Expert Preview & Odds

The ink is still drying on Matthew Stafford’s historic five-year extension with the Detroit Lions, who now head to Buffalo to take on the Bills in the preseason finale for both teams. New England held off Detroit a week ago, winning on a last-second field goal, 30-28, while the Bills could not get going against a solid Baltimore defense, falling 13-9. These two teams played in the last NFL preseason game in 2016, with Detroit delivering a 31-0 shellacking. Here’s a look at the latest NFL odds for this matchup.

Detroit at Buffalo NFL Preseason Expert Preview & Odds

Goin’ on a Tuesday pic.twitter.com/ZG9MBS23JI

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 29, 2017

When: Thursday, August 31, 2017, 7:00 PM ET Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y. TV: Local Affiliates Only Radio: WJR 760 AM (Detroit) / WGR 550 AM (Buffalo) Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Preseason Odds: TBA

Weather Forecast

• Clear: 16^°C/61^°F
• Humidity: 56%
• Precipitation: 0%
• Wind: 10 mph N
• Cloud Cover: 15%
• Type of Stadium: Open

Why should you bet on the Lions?

Week Three was a microcosm of the Matthew Stafford era in Detroit. He went 15 for 22 for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns — however, one poor decision led to an interception for the Patriots. Detroit needs Stafford playing at his very best if they want to have a chance to make the postseason. Tailback Ameer Abdullah added a lot to the offense, carrying the ball 13 times for 60 yards and hauling in three passes for 39 more yards. He missed most of the 2016 campaign with an injury but looks to be back. Marvin Jones Jr. caught four passes for 65 yards and gives the team a real #2 option across the formation from Golden Tate. The sight of Jones and Tate streaking past the Buffalo defense could become a common one on Thursday night. The Lions’ problems come on defense. They put up 28 points on a solid New England team and couldn’t turn that into a win — not even at home. They struggle to generate a pass rush, and they struggle to cover receivers down the field, which are two big reasons why I don’t see them contending in the NFC North this season. However, against a team like Buffalo (with Tyrod Taylor still in the concussion protocol), the Lions have enough talent on defense to outscore the opposition.

Why should you put your money on the Bills?

Nathan Peterman and T.J. Yates will lead the Bills’ offensive attack this week, with Tyrod Taylor still out. Peterman completed just 11 of his 23 passes in last week’s contest, gaining 93 yards but failing to find the end zone. Zay Jones had a nice game, catching three passes for 28 yards, but the Bills were simply all walled in by that Raven defense. LeSean McCoy carried the ball six times — and was only able to gain six yards. If the Bills can’t muster any more offense than that against Detroit, this could be a long game, as the Lions have a more prolific offense than the Ravens do. What about that Buffalo defense? Well, they permitted 23.6 points per game last year, right in the middle of the NFL’s statistical rankings. However, they don’t have an offense that can chew up some clock and move the ball down the field, so the Bills’ defense could definitely see some fatigue and even effort issues if the frustration continues here. It will be interesting to see what emerges from the ashes of the Rex (and Rob) Ryan days in Buffalo.

Team Series History

• Total Meetings: 10
• First Meeting: December 12th, 1972. War Memorial Stadium. Buffalo, New York
• Last Meeting: October 5th, 2014. Ford Field. Detroit, Michigan
• All-Time Series: Buffalo 5-4-1
• Largest Margin of Victory: Detroit 35-21 (1994)
• Longest Win Streak: Buffalo 2 (1997-2002)
• Current Win Streak: Buffalo 2 (2010-2014)

Expert NFL Preseason Pick and Final Score Prediction

I don’t think Detroit has the defense to win a lot of games this year. However, they do have the defense to keep Buffalo’s offense off the field and grind out a win. I don’t think we’ll see a lot of Stafford in this contest, as the team will want to keep their new signee injury-free. However, the Lions’ offense should still be able to move the ball with their system in place. I predict that Detroit will come out ahead by the score of 24-20.