Bills Host Lions on Sept. 17 for $2.1 Billion Highmark Stadium Debut
Updated
Updated · NFL.com · May 11
Bills Host Lions on Sept. 17 for $2.1 Billion Highmark Stadium Debut
18 articles · Updated · NFL.com · May 11
Week 2 on Sept. 17 will bring Buffalo's first game at the new Highmark Stadium, with the Bills hosting Detroit in Prime Video's 2026 Thursday Night Football opener.
The matchup pairs two rebound-minded teams: Buffalo went 12-5 but lost in the Divisional Round after its streak of five straight AFC East titles ended, while Detroit fell to 9-8 after dropping from first to last in the NFC North.
Buffalo's draw includes 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen, 2025 rushing champion James Cook and new receiver DJ Moore under rookie head coach Joe Brady, facing Jared Goff and an explosive Lions offense against a revamped Bills defense led by coordinator Jim Leonard.
The game is one of the first revealed pieces of the 2026 schedule, with the NFL set to unveil the full slate on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
A $2 billion stadium is opening. Will the massive public investment deliver community benefits or just enrich the team's private owners?
As streaming giants reshape sports, is the new fan experience designed for the crowd in the stands or for advertisers at home?