Josh Allen scores five TDs as Bills debut Highmark Stadium with 41-31 win

The Buffalo Bills opened their new Highmark Stadium with a dominant 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, led by quarterback Josh Allen's historic five-touchdown performance. Allen completed 20 of 31 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing 14 times for 69 yards and two scores, marking his fourth career game with at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns—a distinction shared only with Hall of Famer Kordell Stewart in NFL history.

Buffalo's offense overwhelmed Detroit from the opening drive, with Allen scoring the stadium's first touchdown on a 1-yard sneak and the Bills recording touchdowns on their first four possessions to build a 27-7 lead by early in the second quarter. The Bills' balanced attack was evident throughout the first half: Allen threw for three scores and 164 yards while rushing for 40 yards, and running back James Cook rushed for over 100 yards before halftime. Buffalo's defense also made an impact, with Gregory Rousseau recording two sacks and Bradley Chubb adding 1.5, holding the Lions to limited early success despite Detroit eventually mounting a second-half comeback.

The Lions, playing without starting offensive linemen Christian Mahogany and Blake Miller, struggled early but showed resilience in the second half. Quarterback Jared Goff, after a difficult opening quarter with two sacks and minimal yards, stabilized the offense and finished 26 of 38 for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown led Detroit's recovery with 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine catches. Despite cutting Buffalo's lead to 34-24 in the fourth quarter through consecutive scoring drives, Detroit could not overcome the early deficit.

The Bills' opening-game performance at their new venue demonstrated their offensive firepower: Buffalo accumulated 446 total yards, 203 rushing yards, 34 first downs, and converted 9 of 12 third downs and 5 of 5 red zone opportunities. Cook finished with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, while second-year defensive tackle Deone Walker, pressed into increased duty after Ed Oliver was scratched with a hip injury, recorded seven quarterback pressures and three batted passes. The loss came just four days after Detroit's overtime victory over New Orleans, with the quick turnaround and injuries contributing to the Lions' poor start.