Bills fans are divided with the opponent in the home opener

TL;DR

The Buffalo Bills will host the Detroit Lions for their home opener on September 17, 2026, during Amazon Prime's first Thursday Night Football game. Fans have mixed reactions, with some preferring an AFC opponent instead of an NFC team.

Key points

Buffalo Bills host Detroit Lions for home opener
Game scheduled for September 17, 2026
Mixed fan reactions on social media

Buffalo BillsDetroit Lions

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 4: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions lines up during the first half of the NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field on January 4, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images On Monday afternoon, it was officially announced that the Buffalo Bills would host the Detroit Lions on Amazon Prime’s first Thursday Night Football game of the season on September 17. This game will take place during the second week of the 2026 season, as the Bills play their first regular season game at the new Highmark Stadium. As many would expect, the announcement that the Bills would host the Lions was met with mixed reviews on social media. Some fans were unhappy that the game would be played on a Thursday night, with the opener taking place on a short week for the Bills. Others questioned why the league would select an NFC opponent, while some felt it should have featured an AFC opponent (Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, or New York Jets). Personally, I was excited to see the Lions would be the opponent for the home opener. The Bills 48-42 victory in the 2024 season was one of the most entertaining games in recent history, and I have to imagine that came into play when making this schedule. The Lions feature plenty of stars in , , Amon-Ra St. Brown, and , which should provide an enticing matchup. While I am happy with the Bills opener in the new stadium, I understand that our readers may have different thoughts. Be sure to share your comments below, and let me know who you would have preferred for the home opener.

Q&A

Why are Bills fans divided about the home opener against the Lions?

Bills fans are divided due to the game being scheduled on a Thursday night and the choice of an NFC opponent instead of an AFC rival.

What date will the Buffalo Bills play their home opener in 2026?

The Buffalo Bills will play their home opener on September 17, 2026.

Who are some key players on the Detroit Lions for the 2026 season?

Key players on the Detroit Lions include Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson.