The SportsLine projection model is calling for an absolute shootout on ‘Thursday Night Football’, going Over 54.5 points when the Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions this Thursday, September 17, 2026. This isn’t just some random guess, either: this model has an insane track record, up well over $7,000 for $100 players on betting sites since it started, and it’s on a hot 53-39 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. When it speaks, you listen.
Week 1 Fireworks Set The Stage For A High-Flying Thursday
Both the Bills and the Lions come into Week 2 having already flexed their offensive muscles. Buffalo, with coach Joe Brady making his Highmark Stadium regular-season debut, opened their season with an impressive 36-31 win over the Houston Texans. They showed they’re ready to roll, building on their 2025 campaign where they finished second in the AFC East with a 12-5 record. On the other side, Detroit barely held off the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime. That was a nail-biter that showed their grit, but maybe also some vulnerabilities. The Lions wrapped up 2025 fourth in the NFC North with a 9-8 record.
Early Season Woes and The Swelling Spread
The early season struggles are already hitting the Lions hard. They’re heading into this one without two starting offensive linemen, including their 2026 first-round pick, Blake Miller. Losing a top rookie and another starter so early? That’s a massive hit to the trenches and has to worry Lions fans. This injury news likely contributed to the shifting odds. Buffalo opened as a 3-point favorite, but that line has jumped to 5.5 points, a full two-and-a-half-point swing! That’s a massive move for Week 2, folks, and tells you where the smart money is heading. The over/under is sitting high at 54.5 points, aligning perfectly with the SportsLine model’s prediction. The Bills sit at 10-10 against the spread since the start of last season, with Detroit trailing at 8-10.
Offensive Juggernauts Ready To Run Wild?
The numbers from Week 1 make the model’s ‘Over’ prediction look even more legit. Detroit’s running back Jahmyr Gibbs was an absolute monster against the Saints. He had a ridiculous 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, plus another five catches for 30 yards. That’s pure electricity! Quarterback Jared Goff was slinging it too, completing 26 of 39 passes for 206 yards and two scores. While the source only mentions Josh Allen for Buffalo, you can bet he was a huge part of that impressive 36-point performance. With kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET, get ready for some serious scoring.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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