It's been a rocky season for the Buffalo Bills. The disappointment of missing the postseason just a year after ending a 17-year absence has been encapsulated perfectly by close losses the last two weeks. While the attention of many has shifted to draft position, those inside the locker room still have three games left to play. For a number of them, the remaining contests could provide their best chance to show they deserve to stick on an NFL roster.
For the Bills, it's been a story lately of near misses. First, Josh Allen's pass that bounced out of the diving arms of Charles Clay and hit the MetLife Stadium turn in New Jersey, then a 1-yard Elijah McGwire touchdown run on 4th and goal with just 1:17 to go in the scoreboard end of New Era Field and just like that Buffalo went from winning two straight to losing two straight. They've gone through a number of changes lately, some voluntary, some not. The reworking of the receiving corps has unearthed some compelling prospects, from Robert Foster who caught 7 balls for 107 yards against the Jets to Isaiah McKenzie who scored on a 15-yard reverse to go with his four catches for 47 yards. On the other side, the team will be without emerging star Matt Milano after the linebacker broke his leg late against New York and the team's nicker corner for most of the year Taron Johnson, who underwent shoulder surgery. Running back LeSean McCoy could also miss the game against Detroit with a tender hamstring that forced him out of last week's contest after just a handful of plays. He did practice Thursday, and remains questionable officially.
Detroit arrives in Western New York coming off a 17-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to that however, the Lions had only won one of their previous six games. The offense has gone cold, topping out at 22 points over the last seven weeks. QB Matt Stafford carries a questionable designation into this week as he's dealing with a back issue. Their running game in particular has lagged, as they've averaged just 103 yards per game in 2018, good for 23rd in the league. Unlike the Bills, the Lions have not officially been eliminated from postseason contention at this point. A loss on Sunday in Orchard Park would seal their fate.
The game will mark the first time in 2018 the Bills will wear their red "Color Rush" uniforms. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.