Week 2: Lions Visit Bills for the First Game at the New Highmark Stadium
The Detroit Lions visit the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, September 17, in the first regular-season game at Buffalo's new Highmark Stadium and on a short week for both teams. Buffalo won 36-31 in Houston behind Josh Allen's 334 passing yards and four total touchdowns, including a 96-yard drive to win it late, with Dalton Kincaid (130 yards) and DJ Moore (100 yards and a score) both over 100. Detroit survived 31-30 in overtime against New Orleans after blowing a 21-0 lead, with Jahmyr Gibbs carrying 29 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns while the defense allowed 410 passing yards. Detroit's Monday injury estimate listed three offensive linemen, including rookie right tackle Blake Miller, as non-participants.
Two offenses coming off shootouts
Both teams' openers went over the total, and the books have this one at 52.5 or higher, the highest number of the week.
Detroit's offensive line is banged up on a short week
Miller, Christian Mahogany and Juice Scruggs all showed up on Monday's estimated report, with Gibbs carrying the offense behind whoever plays.
Detroit's secondary is the exploitable side
Without safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the Lions gave up 410 yards to Tyler Shough; Allen and Kincaid are a different problem.
AI Prediction
Lions 
Bills Allen against a Lions secondary missing both starting safeties
Detroit's pass defense was the weak point in Week 1, and Buffalo's passing game just produced two 100-yard receivers on the road.
Home opener in a new building, short week for the visitor
Detroit travels on three days' rest with three linemen in question; Buffalo is home with a healthier roster.
Gibbs keeps Detroit in it
A 156-yard, three-touchdown back behind even a patched-up line is enough to keep this a one-score game.
The pick leans on Buffalo's passing matchup and the short-week travel for Detroit. Expect points; the projected total is the model's highest of the week.
Bills Leaders
Lions Leaders
Team Stats
| Lions | Stat | Bills |
|---|---|---|
| 31.0 | Points Per Game | 36.0 |
| 371.0 | Total Yards | 420.0 |
| 206.0 | Yards Passing | 334.0 |
| 165.0 | Yards Rushing | 86.0 |
| 30.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 31.0 |
| 501.0 | Yards Allowed | 398.0 |
| 410.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 274.0 |
| 91.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 124.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
Bet this matchup
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Bills Injuries