Buffalo, N.Y. — September 17, 2026 — Josh Allen gave Buffalo Bills fans a memorable opening night at the team’s new Highmark Stadium, accounting for five touchdowns as Buffalo defeated the Detroit Lions 41–31 on Thursday Night Football.
The Bills came out aggressively and built a commanding first-half advantage before Detroit attempted a late comeback. Allen finished the night with three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, helping Buffalo improve to 2–0 on the young 2026 season.
Josh Allen Leads Buffalo’s Explosive Start
Allen immediately put his stamp on the first official Bills game at the new stadium.
After Buffalo won the opening coin toss and elected to receive, Allen directed an opening scoring drive that ended with him rushing for a one-yard touchdown. That made him the first player to score a touchdown in the new Highmark Stadium.
The quarterback continued producing throughout the game.
Allen completed 20 of 31 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 69 rushing yards and two rushing scores on 14 carries. He also avoided throwing an interception.
Bills Build Big Halftime Lead
Buffalo’s offense consistently found ways to move the football against Detroit.
The Bills finished with 446 total yards, including 203 rushing yards, and converted nine of 12 third-down opportunities. James Cook provided a major contribution on the ground, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Dalton Kincaid was also heavily involved in the passing game, recording seven receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Joshua Palmer added a 43-yard touchdown reception.
Buffalo entered halftime with a 27–10 lead, putting the Lions in a difficult position heading into the second half.
Detroit Attempts a Comeback
The Lions did not go quietly.
Jared Goff threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown produced nine catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Detroit’s offense generated several big plays in the second half and narrowed the deficit.
However, Buffalo continued answering Detroit’s scoring drives and maintained enough separation to secure the victory.
A Memorable Opening for Buffalo
The victory was significant beyond the final score because it marked the first official Bills game at the new Highmark Stadium.
Allen acknowledged the emotion surrounding the occasion before kickoff, reflecting on what it meant to be the quarterback of the Bills in such a significant moment.
With five total touchdowns from their starting quarterback, more than 200 rushing yards and 446 total yards, Buffalo delivered an offensive performance that made the stadium’s opening night one fans are unlikely to forget.
The Bills now move forward at 2–0, while Detroit falls to 1–1 following the Thursday night matchup.
Final Score
Buffalo Bills 41, Detroit Lions 31
Josh Allen: 20/31 passing, 248 yards, 3 passing TDs; 69 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs.
James Cook: 135 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 142 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs.
