The Buffalo Bills are coming off a big Week 1 road win over the Houston Texans, defeating them 36–31 in a shootout. The Detroit Lions survived in overtime against the New Orleans Saints, winning 31- 30. Now, both teams will face each other on Thursday, September 17, in the first game of Week 2.
This will be the first game that the Bills play at their newly opened Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
The Bills put on an offensive masterclass, scoring 36 points and logging 409 yards against a Texans defense that ranked second in total defense last season. Quarterback Josh Allen once again showed why he is one of the league’s best quarterbacks, throwing for 334 yards and two passing touchdowns, and rushing for two.
Despite giving up 31 points, Buffalo’s defense came up clutch when it mattered most, forcing a fumble from Texans quarterback CJ Stroud in the final drive to seal the victory.
As for the Lions, they nearly blew a 21-0 lead against the Saints, winning in overtime to avoid the collapse. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs excelled in his first game as the clear No. 1 running back, rushing for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.
The Lions’ defense struggled after leading 21-0, allowing the Saints to score in four of their last five possessions. On the second-to-last drive, Saints kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 62-yard field goal that would’ve won the game. Still, the defense did enough to win by stopping the Saints from converting a game-winning two-point conversion in overtime.
Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills Preview
Game: Detroit Lions (1-0) @ Buffalo Bills (1-0)
History: 8-4-1, Buffalo Bills
Last Meeting: 48-42, Buffalo Bills (2024)
Time: 8:15 p.m. (EST)
Location: Highmark Stadium | Orchard Park, NY
TV: Amazon Prime Video
Radio: WXYT-FM 97.1| WGR 550 | SiriusXM 227, 382, XM App
Odds: Bills -5.5 | O/U: 54.5
This is the first time that both teams are facing each other in Buffalo since 2018. The Bills have won the last five meetings against the Lions, with their last loss coming in 2006 when they lost 20-17.
Bills Looking Forward To Playing First Game At New Stadium
After playing at Highmark Stadium for 53 years, the Bills are set to begin a new era as they play their first game at the newly opened Highmark Stadium. Ahead of the game, head coach Joe Brady said in Tuesday’s press conference that he wanted his team to enter the stadium one last time before Thursday’s game so the players could get familiar with the new surroundings, especially since the playing surface is grass.
While this marks a momentous occasion for the team, Brady sent a clear message about how he wants his team to approach Thursday’s game.
“I hope that we approach Thursday as the most important game of the season because it’s the next one,” Brady said. “The city of Buffalo, it’s a night that they deserve, and it’s going to be an outstanding environment. It’s where we want to be; we want to play under the lights and want to do all that, so let’s embrace it.”
Brady said the game is an opportunity for the Bills to “show our conviction and what we believe in.” Because of that, he wants his players to embrace the atmosphere without feeling the need to put on a show. Instead, Brady wants the Bills to focus on executing at a high level and “put on a clinic” in front of all their fans.
However, the Bills will need to be prepared for another potential shootout against the Lions, as the two teams combined for 90 points in their most recent meeting. With both defenses facing concerns heading into this game on a short week, Brady knows the test that lies ahead for the Bills’ defense.
“They’ve been a dynamic offense for a lot of years,” Brady said. “[Dan Campbell] is going to have his guys ready to go. He knows the style of offense that he wants to play, and that’s why they’ve been dynamic for so many years.”
Detroit Lions Focusing On Defensive Adjustments
Despite the win over the Saints last week, the Lions have a lot to clean up, especially on defense, after a near-historic collapse when they led 21–0 late in the third quarter. The secondary struggled, allowing Saints quarterback Tyler Shough to throw for 410 yards.
Now they have to face the 2024 MVP, Allen, who is instrumental to Buffalo’s offensive success. For that reason, head coach Dan Campbell said during Tuesday’s press conference that he is focused on limiting Allen, despite the offensive talent surrounding him.
“Ultimately, I don’t care what they throw at us; the quarterback is the key to all of this, and if we don’t make him go the long, hard way every time, it can get very difficult,” Dan Campbell said. “And if a mistake is made, we have to capitalize; we have to, we have to make that play.”
Campbell expects the Bills to attack their secondary just like New Orleans did in the second half. The Lions should get a major defensive boost as safety Christian Izien is expected to make his debut Thursday after being sidelined with a groin injury. His return would give Campbell another option in the secondary to rotate in and help him adjust throughout the game.
However, the Lions’ defense must be prepared for anything Buffalo’s offense throws their way. The Bills can attack in a variety of ways, whether it’s through the running game, passing game, or play-action. For that reason, Campbell has stressed to his team the importance to executing all the work from training camp into this game.
“We’ve spent a lot of time just really through the offseason and training camp trying not to be sitting ducks,” Campbell said. “To eliminate the run and heavy, but also not to be so predictable that people feel like they get a beat on you.”
Prediction
Lions 24, Bills 37
Main Image: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
