Lions vs. Bills Expert Picks for TNF: Thursday Night Football Predictions
The new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park gets its first taste of regular-season action tonight as the Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, and we have our Lions vs. Bills expert picks lined up to get you off to a great start.
The Bills are a 5.5-point betting favorite ahead of kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET, airing on Prime Video. Our experts are aligned on the side they like, and they're eyeing a high-scoring game.
🏈 Lions vs. Bills expert picks: Thursday Night Football
See all of our experts' NFL picks based on the latest NFL odds.
| Expert | Pick |
|---|---|
| Gary Pearson | Bills -4.5 |
| LJ Blut | DJ Moore anytime touchdown scorer |
| Brenden Schaeffer | Josh Allen Over 253.5 passing yards |
| Quinn Allen | Bills 5.5 |
Gary Pearson's pick: Bills -4.5
Editor's note: This line has moved since the author's prediction was originally published.
The Bills erupted for 36 points against a Houston Texans team that had the second-best defensive DVOA last season. In the process, Allen got a gigantic monkey off his back in beating the Texans for the first time. Other than escaping with the win and Jahmyr Gibbs’ sensational performance, there wasn’t much to like about the Lions' Week 1 win.
See Gary Pearson's full analysis in his Lions vs. Bills prediction.
LJ Blut's pick: DJ Moore anytime touchdown scorer
The veteran wide receiver brings explosive playmaking ability and should remain a major part of Buffalo’s passing attack. Moore’s ability to create separation and make plays after the catch gives him multiple ways to reach the end zone.
See LJ Blut's full analysis in his Lions vs. Bills touchdown scorer prediction.
Brenden Schaeffer's pick: Josh Allen Over 253.5 passing yards
Detroit’s secondary had sporadic struggles a season ago, ranking 19th in passing defense on a per game basis, but it seems to be even more ripe for the picking in 2026 as their tendency as a pass funnel defense continues.
See Brenden Schaeffer's full analysis in his Lions vs. Bills same-game parlay.
Quinn Allen's pick: Buffalo -5.5
The Lions just allowed 469 yards to the Saints, including 378 through the air, and barely escaped with a Week 1 victory. Now, they're up against Josh Allen and an explosive Buffalo offense that was firing on all cylinders against Houston last week. I expect Detroit to put up a fight, but its pass defense is a major concern. Allen and Co. have all the weapons to exploit that weakness, and I like Buffalo to win comfortably at home.
📺 How to watch Lions vs. Bills: Thursday Night Football
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
- Streaming: Prime Video
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