Lions at Bills: Buffalo’s Passing Matchup Has Appeal, but the Bet Is a Pass
Buffalo has an encouraging passing matchup for this 2026 NFL Week 2 game, but Detroit’s pressure provides meaningful counterevidence.
Buffalo’s offensive opportunity
Detroit visits Buffalo on Thursday, Sept. 17, for the Bills’ home opener at new Highmark Stadium. Buffalo arrives after a 36-31 victory at Houston in which Josh Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns and added two rushing touchdowns.
The Bills recorded 10 plays of more than 15 yards, accounting for 20% of their offensive snaps, and punted twice. That production makes Detroit’s secondary a central concern. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are on injured reserve, while cornerback D.J. Reed was listed as limited Tuesday with a foot injury.
Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns against Detroit in Week 1, although the Lions also intercepted him twice. Those results support Buffalo’s passing-game prospects without establishing that another big performance is assured.
Detroit has a credible response
Pride Of Detroit, citing PFF figures, reported that the Lions generated 29 pressures and five sacks against New Orleans. Buffalo allowed 13 pressures and two sacks against Houston. Detroit’s ability to disrupt Allen is a substantive reason to temper enthusiasm for the favorite.
Buffalo also conceded 274 passing yards and two touchdowns to C.J. Stroud. Its defensive availability bears watching: linebacker Terrel Bernard and safety Cole Bishop were limited Tuesday, and defensive lineman T.J. Sanders did not practice.