"Thursday Night Football" brings an intriguing matchup to Buffalo, where the Bills will officially unveil their new Highmark Stadium in a highly anticipated Week 2 showdown with the Detroit Lions.
Both teams enter 1-0, but neither looked completely comfortable in its season opener. Detroit needed overtime to escape with a win against the New Orleans Saints, while Buffalo survived a wild shootout against the Houston Texans. Now, they meet on a short week with plenty of questions for both defenses.
This game also marks Buffalo's first home game of the Joe Brady era. Brady was promoted to head coach this offseason after serving as the Bills' offensive coordinator, and his debut produced an explosive 36-31 victory over the Texans. Josh Allen accounted
for four touchdowns, while Dalton Kincaid and DJ Mooremade their presence felt. Kincaid posted 130 receiving yards, while offseason acquisition Moore topped 100 yards and scored a touchdown in his Bills debut.
The Lions opened Week 1 by jumping out to a 21-0 lead over the Saints before allowing New Orleans to storm all the way back and force overtime. Detroit ultimately escaped with a 31-30 victory, but the defensive struggles are impossible to overlook. New Orleans piled up 30 points and 410 passing yards, exposing a Lions secondary that will face a much tougher test against Josh Allen.
Detroit does, however, have two elite weapons capable of controlling the game. Jahmyr Gibbs was spectacular against New Orleans, rushing 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns while adding 30 receiving yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown was equally important, catching 10 passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. Jared Goff will need both playmakers at their best to keep pace with Buffalo.
The Bills allowed Houston to run for 124 yards, including two rushing touchdowns from former Lion David Montgomery. That could make Gibbs one of the biggest X-factors of the night.
With the new stadium ready for its first regular-season game, two explosive offenses and two defenses looking for answers, Thursday night should provide plenty of fireworks.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Bills and Lions "Thursday Night Football" game in Week 2. All times are Eastern:
Where to watch Thursday Night Football: Bills vs Lions
Only fans in the Bills' and Lions' local markets can watch the "Thursday Night Football" game on cable television. Here's where those fans can tune in on Sept. 17:
- TV channel (local only):
- Buffalo: WKBW (ABC)
- Detroit: WJBK (Fox)
Fans outside the local markets can watch the Bills vs Lions game only on Amazon Prime Video.
- Live stream (national): Prime Video
Fans can stream the Bills vs. Lions game on Prime Video, the exclusive home of "Thursday Night Football."
Watch "Thursday Night Football" all season with Prime
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thursday Night Football live updates: Bills vs Lions start time, TV channel tonight
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