Detroit visits Buffalo on Sept 17 for the first game ever played in the Bills' new Highmark Stadium. Will the Lions win it?

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 41-31 on September 17, 2026, winning the first regular-season game played at the team's new Highmark Stadium. The Thursday night matchup doubled as the venue's official debut, replacing the team's previous home field. Buffalo's offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, outpaced Detroit's in a high-scoring contest, with the Lions' defense unable to slow the Bills down the stretch. The loss dropped Detroit to a Week 2 setback on the road, while Buffalo opened its new stadium with a win in front of a home crowd. A pregame ceremony featured both the American and Canadian national anthems, reflecting the stadium's location near the U.S.-Canada border and the Bills' significant Canadian fan base. The result was part of a broader slate of marquee Week 2 NFL matchups, several of which opened new or renovated venues this season. A majority of the Predict Six community, 56%, correctly forecast that the Lions would not win, matching the eventual outcome. The game drew significant national attention both for the stadium's debut and for the quality of the divisional-caliber matchup between two playoff contenders from the prior season.