With the 2026 NFL schedule release fast approaching, the Buffalo Bills were able to share a sneak preview of Thursday's festivities. Via their official X (formerly Twitter) page, the Bills shared that they would play their first game in the new Highmark Stadium on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions to kick off Week Two on September 17th.
HOUSEWARMING PARTY ON TNF ‼️
📺 NFL Schedule Release 5/14 at 8pm ET on@nflnetwork @Ticketmaster | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/c1ddzUVjT3
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 11, 2026
“HOUSEWARMING PARTY ON TNF ‼️” exclaimed the team's official account. “📺 NFL Schedule Release 5/14 at 8 pm ET on @nflnetwork.”
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A primetime game in which the Bills' new home will be on full display to fans around the league is a great way to christen the second Highmark Stadium. Buffalo's former home, the first Highmark Stadium, is currently being demolished. After a series of changes this offseason, led by the promotion of offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, the Bills will look to improve on 2025's disappointing end.
After five straight AFC East titles, plus the accompanying playoff trips, many predicted the Bills would finally make their Super Bowl run in 2025. Instead, the New England Patriots rose back to the top of the division under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Entering 2026, the Patriots will look to defend their AFC East crown plus return to the Super Bowl once again.
Following their season opener, the Bills will look to continue the 2026 campaign on the right foot. The Lions are another postseason contender coming off a maddening 2025 season. After earning the NFC's top seed in 2024, Detroit failed to even make it to the playoffs last year. Can Buffalo start 2026 strong with consecutive wins, or will the Lions spoil the debut of a sparkling new Highmark Stadium?
With the 2026 NFL schedule release fast approaching, the Buffalo Bills were able to share a sneak preview of Thursday's festivities. Via their official X (formerly Twitter) page, the Bills shared that they would play their first game in the new Highmark Stadium on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions to kick off Week Two on September 17th.