ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills christened the new Highmark Stadium in spectacular fashion Thursday night, defeating the Detroit Lions 41-31 behind a five-touchdown performance from Josh Allen.
The victory moved Buffalo to 2-0, while Detroit fell to 1-1. It also gave Joe Brady a historic start as Bills head coach: he became the first coach in franchise history to begin his tenure 2-0.
Allen puts on a show
Allen was virtually unstoppable, throwing for 248 yards and three touchdowns while adding 69 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
He accounted for touchdowns on Buffalo’s first three possessions and helped the Bills build a 27-10 halftime lead. His biggest early strike was a 43-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Palmer, while Dalton Kincaid added a 16-yard touchdown reception.
Allen’s five-touchdown night included four touchdowns before halftime and marked one of the most memorable performances in the opening game at the new stadium.
Cook controls the ground game
James Cook supplied the balance Buffalo needed, rushing 21 times for 135 yards and a touchdown.
Cook’s 35-yard run helped establish Buffalo’s physical advantage, and his 1-yard touchdown run with 2:53 remaining effectively ended Detroit’s comeback hopes.
Kincaid continues strong start
Dalton Kincaid followed up his impressive Week 1 performance with another productive outing, catching seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Keon Coleman added six receptions for 63 yards, while Palmer’s lone catch went for the 43-yard touchdown.
Lions fight back
Detroit refused to go quietly.
Jared Goff finished 26-of-38 for 327 yards and four touchdowns, with Amon-Ra St. Brown producing nine catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Jahmyr Gibbs also contributed seven receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions cut a 27-7 deficit to 34-24 early in the fourth quarter, but Buffalo responded with a long scoring drive capped by Cook’s touchdown. St. Brown added his second touchdown with 1:48 remaining, but the comeback had already slipped away.
Defense makes early impact
Buffalo’s defense set the tone early, particularly Greg Rousseau, who recorded two sacks in the opening quarter. Rousseau became only the second Bills player to record at least two sacks in each of the team’s first two games of a season, joining Bruce Smith’s 1996 mark.
Buffalo Bills
Detroit ultimately produced 355 yards, but Buffalo’s early defensive pressure helped create the 21-point cushion that proved decisive.
Turning Point
The opening quarter was the defining stretch.
Buffalo scored touchdowns on its first three possessions and raced to a 21-0 lead. Detroit spent the rest of the night trying to recover from that early hole.
Standout Performers
Buffalo
Josh Allen: 20/31, 248 yards, 3 TD passing; 69 rushing yards, 2 TD rushing
James Cook: 21 carries, 135 yards, TD
Dalton Kincaid: 7 receptions, 95 yards, TD
Greg Rousseau: 2 sacks
Detroit
Jared Goff: 26/38, 327 yards, 4 TD
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 9 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TD
Jahmyr Gibbs: 16 carries, 52 yards; 6 receptions, 61 yards, TD
Final Analysis
Buffalo’s victory was built on explosive quarterback play, a powerful running game and a dominant opening half. The Bills finished with 446 total yards compared with Detroit’s 355 and converted their opportunities in the red zone exceptionally well.
The biggest concern was the Lions’ ability to move the ball after halftime, but Buffalo repeatedly answered Detroit’s scoring pushes.
Buffalo record: 2-0. The Bills’ next game is September 27 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
