Detroit
Lions
Spread
+3
NFL Predictions
Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills Predictions
Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:15pm EST at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
@
Buffalo
Bills
1-0
Spread
-3
50%
50%
Spread
Detroit Lions +3
Buffalo Bills -3
Moneyline
Detroit Lions +136
Buffalo Bills -162
Total
Over 52.5 (-110)
Under 52.5 (-110)
Who wins this game?
Professional Picks
21 available
Professional Picks On This Game
Tom Strickland
Total pick
Matt O'Brien
Spread pick
Matt O'Brien
Total pick
Wes Salvato
Spread pick
Wes Salvato
Total pick
Abe Howland
Spread pick
Abe Howland
Total pick
Frank Obst
Total pick
Jason Manning
Spread pick
Jason Manning
Total pick
Charles Avery
Total pick
Bryan Pratt
Spread pick
Franny DiStefano
Spread pick
Franny DiStefano
Total pick
Brooke Smolka
Spread pick
Brooke Smolka
Total pick
Scott Steele
Spread pick
Scott Steele
Total pick
Percy Walker
Spread pick
Percy Walker
Total pick
Lane Gibson
Spread pick
Lions vs. Bills Prediction: Buffalo’s Big Plays Test Detroit’s Depleted Secondary
Analysis updated September 16, 2026 at 5:20 AM CDT
Buffalo produced 10 gains of more than 15 yards in its opener. Detroit faces that attack with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on injured reserve.
Buffalo has the matchup edge
Buffalo’s big-play offense faces a depleted Detroit secondary, giving the Bills a reason to be SPF’s 3-point home favorite Thursday. The Buffalo Bills’ official preview reports that they gained more than 15 yards on 10 offensive plays against Houston. It also lists Lions safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on injured reserve, with Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox filling in. That matchup makes Buffalo the winner pick.
Detroit’s offensive line could also be short-handed. The Detroit Lions’ official practice report lists guard Christian Mahogany (hip) and tackle Blake Miller (knee) as estimated non-participants Monday and Tuesday, with center Juice Scruggs (knee) limited both days. Both sessions were walkthroughs, so those estimates don’t establish who will play. Their availability matters to Detroit’s ability to protect and sustain drives.
Betting recommendation: Pass
SPF lists Buffalo at -162 and Detroit at +136. Buffalo’s moneyline requires a win probability of about 61.8% to break even; one strong offensive game doesn’t establish that edge. There’s also no clear basis to prefer laying 3 points. Pass on the side.
The total is 52.5, with either side priced at -110. Detroit allowed 30 points in its overtime win over New Orleans, according to the Buffalo Bills’ preview, but that overtime total offers limited guidance for this matchup. With Detroit’s offensive line availability unresolved, pass on the total too.
Pick
Buffalo Bills
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass