Now that the dust has settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, the next major story-line for this off-season will be the release of this season’s schedule. It is always a time of year that is met with much anticipation for Bills fans, but there is certainly something a bit extra this year with the opening of the new Highmark Stadium.
One of the biggest questions around the schedule release each season revolves around the home opener, which many treat like a national holiday around Western New York. There are plenty of enticing options this season, with eight of 17 contests being played in Orchard Park. Three of the obvious options are the AFC East foes – the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. Any of the three could be the pick, based on the history of each rivalry.
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Both of the NFC opponents that the Bills will host could also be attractive options in the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. The Bears experienced a resurgence during the 2025 season under head coach Ben Johnson, and they can be considered a Super Bowl contender this season. While 2025 was considered a down season for the Detroit Lions, they are still considered one of the more dynamic offenses in football and would provide an entertaining match-up.
The additional AFC opponents certainly would provide some entertaining match-ups, with the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens all making the trip. All three of these games would feature a marquee match-up at quarterback opposite of Josh Allen – with Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson leading their respective clubs. This is also assuming that Mahomes is good to go at the start of the season following last season’s injury.
With eight viable options to consider this season, I am predicting that the Bills will host the Jets for the home opener at the new stadium. I realize that the Jets may not be the most exciting opponent on this list, but there are a couple of factors at play. First, I am fully expecting the home opener to be played in primetime, which is customary with a new stadium. To take it one step further, I am predicting the home openers will be the first Thursday Night Football game of the season. Hosting a team from the largest media market in the world, on top of the rivalry and history between the two clubs makes it my pick.
I am sure some of you will have other thoughts on who the Bills should host, so be sure to share them in the comments section below.
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