Two of the league’s best battled it out in Week 15, as the Bills went on the road to take on the Lions. Buffalo showed why it is one of the top teams in the league, winning 48-42 over Detroit despite a late push from the home team.
The Bills lost to the Rams by two last week but rebounded with a huge win over the top team in the NFC. Buffalo has locked in a playoff berth and a top-four seed in the AFC, but beating the best team in the NFC handily definitely helps spark some momentum for the playoffs.
The Lions looked solid despite the loss of their 11-game win streak. They scored 42 points against a tough Buffalo defense, but it just wasn’t enough vs. one of the best teams in the NFL
Here’s how the Bills’ win and Lions’ loss impacted the AFC and NFC playoff races.
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AFC playoff standings
| Position | Team |
| 1 | Chiefs (13-1) |
| 2 | Bills (11-3) |
| 3 | Steelers (10-4) |
| 4 | Texans (9-5) |
| 5 | Ravens (9-5) |
| 6 | Broncos (9-5) |
| 7 | Chargers (8-6) |
| 8 | Colts (6-7) |
| 9 | Dolphins (6-8) |
| 10 | Bengals (6-8) |
Kansas City will be more concerned with a late-game injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Week 15 than any other game result. They have already locked down the division and a top-four seed with three games to go. Pittsburgh can secure the AFC North and a top-four seed if it can beat the Ravens in Week 16. Houston clinched the division and a top-four seed in Week 15.
NFC playoff standings
| Position | Team |
| 1 | Lions (12-2) |
| 2 | Eagles (12-2) |
| 3 | Buccaneers (8-6) |
| 4 | Rams (8-6) |
| 5 | Vikings (11-2) |
| 6 | Packers (9-4) |
| 7 | Commanders (9-5) |
| 8 | Seahawks (8-6) |
| 9 | Falcons (7-7) |
| 10 | 49ers (6-8) |
Despite the loss, the Lions remain atop the NFC. They have the same record as the Eagles but have the tiebreaker win due to a better division record. Both teams have yet to lose a divisional game, but Detroit has played four games in the division compared to Philadelphia’s three. Seattle lost on Sunday night, dropping out of the NFC West lead, while Minnesota plays on Monday night. Tampa Bay currently has the divisional lead in the NFC South.
Bills playoff picture
Buffalo has three regular-season games remaining. They still have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, but they need some help from the Chiefs losing down the stretch. Buffalo is guaranteed a top-four spot, which means they will host their first playoff game. The Bills can get a first-round bye with that No. 1 seed, but they are currently projected to be either the second or third seed, depending on how the remainder of the season shakes out.
Lions playoff picture
Detroit is in a similar position. The Lions have clinched a playoff berth but have yet to clinch the NFC North. The Vikings are only one game back and will take on the Bears on Monday night. Even if Minnesota wins, Detroit will own the head-to-head tiebreaker for now. The Lions and Vikings face off in Week 18, so expect both teams to be going all-out as long as the division or No. 1 seed is still up for grabs.
Bills remaining schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 16 | vs. Patriots |
| 17 | vs. Jets |
| 18 | at Patriots |
Lions remaining schedule
| Week | Opponent |
| 16 | at Bears |
| 17 | at 49ers |
| 18 | vs. Vikings |
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