The 2026Detroit Lionsschedule won't be fully released until Thursday, but we know for sure they'll be playing the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.
Amazon Prime announced Monday theLionswill play at Buffalo on Sept. 17 on Thursday Night Football. It'll be Buffalo's first game at Highmark Stadium, which is set to open later this summer. The new venue, slated to have a capacity of more than 60,000, has been under construction for about two years.
The Lions and Bills last met in December 2024, when Buffalo jumped out to an early lead andultimately hung on to win a shootout, 48-42. Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Josh Allen were excellent, combining to complete 65.6% of their throws for 856 yards and seven touchdowns. Allen also added 68 yards and two scores as a runner, as Detroit's depleted defense struggled to contain the eventual MVP.
Buffalo has won five straight matchups against Detroit. The Lions last won versus the Bills in October 2006, when running back Kevin Jones rushed for 127 yards, the third highest total of his career. Detroit's defense forced five turnovers to lead the way in a 20-17 victory.
Key departures from the Bills this offseason include offensive guard David Edwards (signed with the New Orleans Saints), cornerback Taron Johnson (traded to the Las Vegas Raiders) and safety Taylor Rapp (released). Edge defenders Nick Bosa and A.J. Epenesa remain free agents.
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Buffalo's notable additions are headlined by wide receiver D.J. Moore, who was landed in a trade with the Chicago Bears. Other newcomers include edge defenders Bradley Chubb (previously of the Miami Dolphins) and Mike Danna (Kansas City Chiefs), as well as safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Bears) and Geno Stone (Cincinnati Bengals).
The Bills lost in last year's playoffs to the Denver Broncos on Jan. 17 and fired former coach Sean McDermott two days later. Joe Brady, who had spent the last two seasons as Buffalo's offensive coordinator, was promoted to replace McDermott. Brady chose Pete Carmichael (offense), Jim Leonhard (defense) and Jeff Rodgers (special teams) as his coordinators.
rsilva@detroitnews.com
@rich_silva18
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News:Lions will play at Bills in Buffalo's new Highmark Stadium in Week 2
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