Buffalo Bills defeat Detroit Lions in first game at new Highmark Stadium
The Buffalo Bills opened their new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Josh Allen led the team with three touchdown passes and two rushing scores.
First reported 6 hours from now · latest update 7 hours from now
The Buffalo Bills opened their new stadium in style with a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions.
After winning 36-31 at the Houston Texans in their first game of the season on Sunday, the Bills produced another impressive performance in their home opener.
They scored six touchdowns at Highmark Stadium, built next to their old home at a cost of $2.2bn (£1.6bn), with quarterback Josh Allen throwing for three and rushing for two more.
The Bills are among the favourites to represent the AFC Conference in the Super Bowl and raced into a 21-0 lead.
Allen barged into the endzone and found Joshua Palmer for a 43-yard touchdown, before Dawson Knox scored early in the second quarter.
The Lions replied with Jared Goff finding Jahmyr Gibbs, who became the NFL's highest-paid running back in the off-season, for an 11-yard touchdown catch.
But Dalton Kincaid stretched Buffalo's lead and the Bills remained comfortable throughout the second half.
Detroit, who beat the New Orleans Saints in overtime last week, cut the deficit with two touchdowns by Amon-Ra St Brown and another from Sam LaPorta.
But Allen, the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season, and James Cook scored for the Bills to ensure the Lions only got within 10 points.
Before the game in Buffalo, which is on the US border with Canada, both the American and Canadian national anthems were played.
The latter was sung by Canadian band Barenaked Ladies as the Bills chose to honour their Canadian fans amid rising tensions between the two countries.
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Allen stars as Bills open new stadium in style
The Buffalo Bills open their new stadium in style with a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions, as Josh Allen again impresses.
7 hours from nowAllen lights up Bills’ new stadium with 41-31 win over Lions
In the first regular-season game at the $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium, Josh Allen passed for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
7 hours from nowAllen stars as Bills open new stadium with win over Lions
Josh Allen quickly put his stamp on the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium as he threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores as the Bills beat the Detroit Lions 41-31 on Thursday night.
6 hours from now