The Detroit Lions now have the second-best NFL Super Bowl odds at +475.
The offense once again showed why it is one of the best in the division, but the Lions dropped a high-scoring game against the Buffalo Bills, 48–42. Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 114 yards from scrimmage, including a touchdown on both the run and the reception. Amon-Ra St. Brown also had a memorable game, hauling in 14 passes for 193 yards and a score.
At +260 odds, the Detroit Lions were the 2025 Super Bowl favorites as of week 15. Their opponent in Week 15, the Buffalo Bills, earned the fourth-best odds (+600).
The Buffalo Bills' blowout victory against the Lions also significantly increased their chances of winning the NFL championship. Many figured a new Super Bowl favorite had emerged, led by another MVP-caliber showing by Josh Allen.
Even if the odds have moved to +425, the Buffalo squad is still well behind the Detroit club in the championship race. The Detroit Lions, on the other hand, surprised everyone by remaining stable, although barely at +400.
It appears that the oddsmakers still believe in Detroit's chances despite the recent loss. Sportsbooks are considering factors beyond just this single game, such as the Lions' overall season performance, strength of schedule, and potential for future improvement.
Why do the Bills trail the Lions in Super Bowl odds despite their dominant performances? The answer likely lies in their respective paths to the championship. Detroit currently controls its destiny as the potential top seed in the NFC, securing a crucial first-round bye. In contrast, the Bills face a tougher road, trailing Kansas City by two games in their conference.
Buffalo likely faces an additional playoff game in a competitive conference featuring formidable opponents like the Chiefs, Ravens, Steelers, and Texans. Even though the Bills may be favored against any of these teams, especially at home, the extra game and the caliber of the opposition make the Lions' current predicted route to the Super Bowl much more difficult.
Injuries have been a problem for the Lions recently, especially on defense. The Lions' season-ending injuries to Khalil Dorsey and Alim McNeil in week 15 proved expensive, especially on defense. The loss of running back David Montgomery for the rest of the season dealt the squad a serious blow offensively as well.
Cornerback Carlton Davis III was the first player to depart due to a jaw injury. The Lions camp then became silent as cornerback Khalil Dorsey was taken away after suffering what seemed to be a severe ankle injury. The situation worsened when defensive lineman Alim McNeill, who had just recovered from a concussion, left the field and was also removed after being evaluated in the medical tent, this time for a knee injury.
A string of injuries, especially on the defensive end of the ball, has severely hindered the Detroit Lions. The team's depth and effectiveness are seriously challenged by its already long-injured reserve list, which includes many important players. Because of these most recent injuries, it will be harder for Detroit head coach Dan Campbell to lead his club to a good season finale.
Perhaps the most glaring absence is star defensive end Aiden Hutchinson, who is out with a broken leg. The D-line is made worse by injuries to defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (knee), defensive ends Marcus Davenport (triceps), John Cominsky (knee), and Nate Lynn (shoulder), and defensive tackle David Bada (Achilles). This dramatic exodus along this defensive front has undoubtedly affected the Lions' ability to generate pressure and beat up opposing offensive lines.
The issues on the defensive side of the ball continue with injuries to the linebacker corps and secondary. Linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez (torn ACL), Alex Anzalone (forearm), Derrick Barnes (knee), and Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) are on injured reserve, leaving the team thin at a crucial position. The secondary has also taken some hits, with cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (undisclosed) not on the field. The effects of this have rippled through the playing and the schemes for the Lions, as they have been forced to play less experienced backup players, which presents a mammoth task for them to try and overcome in the remaining games.
