Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills: 2026 NFL Week 2 Preview, Date, Time, TV and What to Watch
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The Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills matchup is one of the most anticipated games of NFL Week 2 in the 2026 season. The Lions travel to Buffalo for a Thursday Night Football showdown on September 17, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium.
The game will be available to watch on Prime Video and marks the Bills’ first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium.
Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills Game Details
- Game: Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills
- Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
- Week: NFL Week 2
- TV/Streaming: Prime Video
- Game Type: Regular Season
- Teams: Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills
The NFL confirmed the matchup as the opening Thursday Night Football game of the 2026 season.
Lions vs Bills: A Major Week 2 Matchup
Both teams enter the 2026 season with plenty to prove.
The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record after an impressive 15-2 campaign in 2024. Detroit will be looking to establish itself as a contender again, with quarterback Jared Goff leading an offense featuring playmakers such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams.
Buffalo enters the matchup after a 12-5 season in 2025. The Bills are led by quarterback Josh Allen, while running back James Cook and wide receiver DJ Moore add significant offensive firepower.
The matchup also features a new chapter for Buffalo, with Joe Brady taking over as head coach and Jim Leonhard leading the defense as defensive coordinator.
New Highmark Stadium Hosts Its First Regular-Season Game
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Lions vs Bills is the venue.
Buffalo’s new Highmark Stadium will host its first regular-season game when the Lions arrive on September 17. The stadium has a reported $2.1 billion price tag and the Thursday night matchup gives Buffalo a nationally televised opening to its new home.
The Bills are also planning a special pregame celebration. Toronto-based band Barenaked Ladies are scheduled to perform the Canadian national anthem, while Auli’i Cravalho will perform the U.S. national anthem.
Jared Goff vs Josh Allen
The quarterback matchup will be one of the main attractions.
Josh Allen gives Buffalo an explosive dual-threat quarterback capable of creating plays with both his arm and legs. His ability to extend plays could be especially important against Detroit’s defense.
For Detroit, Jared Goff
Starters to know
Detroit Lions start Jared Goff (QB), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), Sam Laporta (TE). Buffalo Bills start Josh Allen (QB), James Cook III (RB), DJ Moore (WR), Dalton Kincaid (TE).
Detroit Lions have won 1 of their last 3 games this site has covered. Buffalo Bills have won 1 of their last 3 games this site has covered.
Bookmark this page to follow Detroit Lions against Buffalo Bills, or check the full NFL schedule.
Common questions
What time is the Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills game?
Kickoff is 8:15 PM ET, 7:15 PM CT, 6:15 PM MT, 5:15 PM PT.
Is Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills a division game?
Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills both play in the National Football Conference – East.
Where can I follow the live score for Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills?
This page updates automatically once the game begins, and shows the final result once it ends.