Bills Host Lions in High-Scoring Thursday Opener

The 1-0 Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions on Thursday night in the first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium. Buffalo is favored by roughly 3.5 to 5.5 points, with the over-under above 53 points, after Josh Allen led a 36-31 win over Houston with 334 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing scores. Detroit defeated New Orleans 31-30 in overtime behind Jahmyr Gibbs’ 186 total yards and two touchdowns and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s two scores. The Lions will be without starting offensive linemen Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller, while safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are dealing with injuries. Buffalo’s defensive front and tight ends, led by Greg Rousseau, Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, pose significant challenges, and analysts generally expect a high-scoring game favoring the Bills.