Best and worst PFF grades for Lions from Week 15 vs. Bills

The Lions came out flat and it ultimately cost them in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. Detroit couldn’t stop the fireball that was Bills quarterback and likely MVP favorite Josh Allen. It all added up to a 48-42 loss that ended the Lions’ 11-game winning streak and dropped into a tie atop the NFC standings with the Philadelphia Eagles at 12-2.

It was a rough day all over for the Lions, from injuries to botched onside kicks and everything in between. How did Pro Football Focus view the team? Let’s take a look at the best and worst grades on offense and defense from Sunday (minimum eight snaps played).

Top 5 offensive grades

Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) runs upfield after catching a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

TE Sam LaPorta – 78.9
OT Taylor Decker – 78.7
OT Penei Sewell – 78.3
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – 75.2
RB Jahmyr Gibbs – 67.0

Note: OT Dan Skipper received a 91.9 grade, likely boosted by his touchdown, but he only played five snaps.

Bottom 5 offensive grades

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) warm up before the game between Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

OG Graham Glasgow – 34.3
C Frank Ragnow – 43.9
TE Brock Wright – 45.9
WR Jameson Williams – 56.5
WR Tim Patrick – 58.4

Top 5 defensive grades

Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.

CB Amik Robertson – 76.6
CB Carlton Davis – 74.4
DE Alim McNeill – 72.5
LB David Long – 70.4
DT Patrick O’Connor – 69.8

Bottom 5 defensive grades

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) tackles Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

LB Kwon Alexander – 27.1
DT Jonah Williams – 29.5
LB Jack Campbell – 30.5
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad – 36.1
DE Josh Paschal – 44.6

Top 5 overall players

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) smiles at warm up before the game between Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

TE Sam LaPorta – 78.9
OT Taylor Decker – 78.7
OT Penei Sewell – 78.3
CB Amik Robertson – 76.6
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – 75.2

Top 5 individual units

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) celebrates his touchdown with Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.