The Detroit Lions will open the 2025 NFL season on a Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills on September 17, a matchup that also serves as the inaugural event for Buffalo’s brand‑new Highmark Stadium.
Primetime Prospects
The new stadium, located in Orchard Park, New York, will host the game as the Bills’ first home contest in their state‑of‑the‑art venue, marking a milestone for the franchise.
Detroit’s recent surge into primetime has become a pattern; the Lions appeared in five nationally televised games last season and are slated to play another high‑profile contest in Germany on November 15.
Buffalo’s offense remains among the league’s most potent, finishing fourth in scoring last year and led by 2024 NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen, who guided the team to a 12‑5 record.
The Bills have posted double‑digit wins in each season since 2019, and their most recent meeting on December 15, 2024, ended in a 48‑42 victory for Buffalo.
Detroit’s playoff hopes were dampened when they fell to the Washington Commanders in the opening round, leaving the club eager to rebound in the upcoming schedule.