Bills news: Previewing the Lions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 15: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The last time the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions squared off, Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense won a shootout at Ford Field, prevailing 48-42 in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season.

Coming off Week 1 performances where both the Bills and Lions eclipsed 30 points in season-opening victories—Buffalo beat Houston 36-31 while Detroit held off New Orleans 31-30 in overtime—Thursday night’s home opener and debut of the new Highmark Stadium between these two prolific offenses should once again feature plenty of points.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by sharing the key matchups to watch and positional analysis as the Bills look to start the season 2-0 for the sixth time in the last eight years.

Check out the assessments below and then let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.

Bills vs. Lions storylines to watch

Linked below: Breaking down the key story lines to watch, including how Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense should be poised for plenty of big plays against a Lions defense missing three quarters of its starting secondary; what defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard plans to do to fix the “very correctable” issues that plagued Buffalo in its season-opening win; and the unique challenges presented by a high-flying Lions offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown; and how the Bills and Lions have found success turning to a trick play: the hook-and-lateral.

We also hear from Allen, outside linebacker Greg Rousseau, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, linebacker Dorian Williams, right tackle Spencer Brown, and linebacker Joe Andreessen on what they’re looking forward to from Buffalo’s first game inside its new stadium.

Even more Bills news

Examining where the Bills find themselves in the NFL power rankings after a Week 1 win over the Houston Texans. Plus, how Bills fans can support Josh Allen’s charitable efforts for the Golisano Children’s Hospital; how the workers who helped build new Highmark Stadium will be featured in an upcoming documentary; and more!