Bills vs. Lions predictions, odds, spread, time: Week 2 'Thursday Night Football' picks from proven model — SkimNews
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- Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions at 8:15 p.m. ET in their Highmark Stadium regular-season debut under coach Joe Brady, installed as 5.5-point favorites after the line moved 2.5 points from the opener.
- The SportsLine model, which has simulated every NFL game 10,000 times, projects 59 combined points and recommends the Over 54.5, hitting in 56% of simulations and riding a 53-39 run on top-rated picks since 2024.
- Josh Allen looked like his 2024 MVP self in Week 1, going 20-of-29 for 334 yards and two TDs through the air plus two rushing scores, while tight end Dalton Kincaid hauled in five catches for 130 yards including three explosive 20-plus-yard plays.
- Jahmyr Gibbs powered Detroit's offense with 29 carries for 156 yards and two TDs against New Orleans, and Jared Goff went 26-of-39 for 206 yards and two scores, but the Over has hit in seven of the Lions' last 10 games and six of Buffalo's last 10.
- Detroit (1-0) will be without two starting offensive linemen including 2026 first-rounder Blake Miller, a factor the model weighs alongside Buffalo's Week 1 home-turf advantage as both teams seek to stay unbeaten.
Why it matters: Detroit's missing two starting offensive linemen — including 2026 first-rounder Blake Miller — weakens pass protection for Jared Goff and run-blocking for Jahmyr Gibbs, yet Buffalo is only a 5.5-point home favorite despite Josh Allen's 334-yard Week 1 dismantling of Houston. Bettors eyeing the Over need to weigh whether a depleted Lions line can keep up with Buffalo's recharged offense in the Highmark opener.
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