Lions vs Bills Prediction: 5 Best Betting Angles & Pick

Lions vs Bills prediction for Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 2 features two undefeated teams meeting in Buffalo on September 17, 2026.

Detroit enters at 1-0 after a 31-30 overtime win over New Orleans, while Buffalo opened its season with a 36-31 road victory against Houston. The Bills are currently favored by approximately 5 to 5.5 points, with the total sitting in the mid-50s.

Game: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 8:15 PM ET
TV: Prime Video
Current Spread: Buffalo -5 to -5.5
Current Total: Approximately 53.5 to 54.5
Rocketman Sports Pick: Detroit Lions +5.5
Projected Score: Buffalo Bills 30, Detroit Lions 27

NFL betting lines can move throughout the day. Always verify the current spread, total and player availability before placing a wager.

Lions vs Bills Prediction

Our Lions vs Bills prediction comes down to whether Buffalo should be laying more than a field goal against a Detroit offense that still has enough playmakers to trade scores.

Buffalo deserves to be favored at home, especially after an impressive Week 1 road victory against Houston. The Bills produced 36 points in that opener and now return home for their first prime-time game of the season.

Detroit also enters undefeated, although the Lions had to survive a much more difficult-than-expected opener against New Orleans. Detroit built a large lead before the Saints rallied, eventually forcing overtime. The Lions escaped with a 31-30 victory.

At approximately +5.5, Detroit does not need to win this game outright. A competitive one-score loss is enough to cash the ticket.

Why Our Lions vs Bills Prediction Likes Detroit +5.5

The Bills have home-field advantage and the stronger Week 1 performance, but the point spread has moved enough to create value on Detroit.

Buffalo opened closer to a field-goal favorite in some markets before the number moved toward -5 and beyond. That movement reflects strong early support for the Bills, but it also gives Detroit backers additional points.

Getting more than a field goal becomes especially valuable in a matchup that projects to be competitive late.

• More than a field goal: Detroit can lose by four or five points and still cover.
• Offensive upside: Both teams showed the ability to score in Week 1.
• Prime-time environment: Detroit has enough offensive weapons to stay within striking distance.
• Line value: The market has moved toward Buffalo, improving the price on Detroit.

Lions Offense vs Bills Defense

Detroit’s offense remains built around Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

The Lions have multiple ways to create explosive plays, but the offensive line is an important concern entering Thursday night.

Detroit will be without offensive linemen Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany. Those absences could make pass protection and interior blocking more difficult against Buffalo’s defensive front.

That injury situation is one reason our Lions vs Bills prediction favors taking the points rather than predicting Detroit to win outright.

Bills Offense vs Lions Defense

Buffalo scored 36 points in Week 1 and continues to feature one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.

Josh Allen remains the centerpiece of the Bills attack, and Buffalo has enough explosive ability to create scoring opportunities both through the air and on the ground.

Detroit’s defense will need to limit big plays and force Buffalo to sustain longer drives rather than allowing quick touchdowns.

If the Lions can do that, this matchup should remain within one possession deep into the second half.

Lions vs Bills Injury Report

Detroit enters Thursday night with two offensive linemen ruled out.

• Blake Miller, OT: Out
• Christian Mahogany, G: Out
• D.J. Reed, CB: Questionable

Buffalo also has several players carrying questionable designations.

• Ty Johnson, RB: Questionable
• T.J. Sanders, DL: Questionable
• Cole Bishop, S: Questionable

Final player availability can affect both the point spread and total. Bettors can verify current league information through the official NFL injury report.

Lions vs Bills Betting Line

Buffalo has received strong early market support.

The Bills opened closer to -3.5 at some sportsbooks and have moved toward approximately -5 to -5.5. The total has generally been available in the 53.5 to 54.5 range.

That line movement is important because Detroit becomes more attractive as the underdog price increases.

We prefer Detroit +5.5. If the number drops substantially below five, some of the value disappears.

You can also confirm kickoff information on the official NFL schedule.

Lions vs Bills Projected Score

Buffalo Bills 30, Detroit Lions 27

This Lions vs Bills prediction gives Buffalo the advantage at home while keeping Detroit comfortably inside the current point spread.

Both offenses are capable of producing enough points to create a competitive fourth quarter.

Lions vs Bills Best Bet

Best Bet: Detroit Lions +5.5

Buffalo is the more likely team to control portions of this game at home, but laying more than a field goal against Detroit creates a narrow margin for error.

Our final Lions vs Bills prediction is Buffalo to win a competitive Thursday night matchup while Detroit stays inside the number.

Projected Final Score: Buffalo 30, Detroit 27

More NFL Week 2 Picks

Visit our main NFL page for free picks, projected scores and betting analysis across the entire Week 2 schedule.

• NFL Picks Today
• NFL Power Ratings
• NFL Public Betting & Sharp Money
• Best NFL Handicappers
• All Free Sports Picks

Lions vs Bills Prediction FAQ

What is the Lions vs Bills spread?

Buffalo is currently favored by approximately 5 to 5.5 points, although NFL betting lines can continue moving before kickoff.

What is the Lions vs Bills total?

The total has generally been available around 53.5 to 54.5 points.

What is the Rocketman Sports Lions vs Bills prediction?

Our current Lions vs Bills prediction is Detroit +5.5 against the spread, with Buffalo projected to win the game 30-27.

What is the projected score?

Our projected final score is Buffalo 30, Detroit 27.

What time is Lions vs Bills?

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 PM ET on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Where can I find premium NFL picks?

Current expert releases and premium football selections are available on the Premium Picks page.

Responsible Betting Disclaimer: Sports picks and predictions are opinions for informational and entertainment purposes. Betting lines change and no result is guaranteed. Always verify current odds, player availability and market conditions before wagering and bet responsibly.