Preview for Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills host the first regular-season game in their new stadium in primetime on Thursday as they take on the Detroit Lions in an enticing Week 2 matchup.
Buffalo said farewell to Ralph Wilson Stadium at the end of last season, with Highmark Stadium built across the street from the Bills’ home of 52 years.
The Bills never managed to win a Super Bowl during their time at ‘The Ralph’, but enter their first season at their new stadium with high hopes of finally ending their wait for a first title.
And they made a positive start in Week 1, with quarterback Josh Allen producing a superb display against a much-vaunted Houston Texans defense in a thrilling 36-31 road win.
Detroit also had to work for a Week 1 victory, the Lions surrendering a 21-point lead against the New Orleans Saints before eventually prevailing 31-30 in overtime.
It was a very narrow escape for the Lions, whose victory was secured when the Saints failed on a two-point conversion try in the additional period.
And Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows the onus is very much on his defense to make life difficult for Allen if they are to have a hope of spoiling the Bills’ party.
“They’re good in 11 [personnel – one running back, one tight end, three receivers]. They’re good in 12 [ 1 RB, 2 TE, 2WR],” Campbell said. “They’ve got personnel. They’ve got a quarterback who makes it go, and they’ve got a coaching staff that can find those little nuggets and the mismatches.
“Ultimately, I don’t care what they throw at us, the quarterback is the key to all of this. If we don’t make him go the long, hard way every time, it can get very difficult.”
The Bills are relishing the prospect of a first competitive game at their new home, but head coach Joe Brady is keen to ensure they do not play to the occasion too much.
“The environment is going to be outstanding. We can allow the environment to change, but we can’t [change,]” Brady said.
“I hope that we approach Thursday as it’s the most important game of the season because it’s the next one. If we make it about more than it is, then I’m not doing a good enough job, and usually that’s not going to end with the right result.
“The city of Buffalo, it’s a night that they deserve. It’s going to be an outstanding environment. It’s where we want to be; we want to play under the lights, and we wanna do all that. So let’s embrace it. And now it’s an opportunity for us to show kind of our conviction in what we believe in.”
Prediction for Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills
The Lions have the firepower to spoil the Bills’ big night, but they don’t have enough on defense to slow down Allen and Co.
Prediction: Detroit Lions 27 – 34 Buffalo Bills
How to watch Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills
The Detroit Lions-Buffalo Bills matchup kicks off at 8:15pm ET (5:15pm PT, 1:15am BST).
It will be available to stream on Prime Video. It will be broadcast in the Detroit area on WJBK/FOX and in Buffalo on WKBW/ABC.
The game can also be streamed via the NFL + subscription service.
Outside of the US, the game will be available to stream worldwide (excluding China) on DAZN.
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