By: Jae Engel
The Buffalo Bills have started off the 2026 season with two wins, scoring a total of 77 points under their new Head Coach Joe Brady. Following a 36-31 win in Houston over the Texans, Buffalo welcomed the Detroit Lions to their brand-new Highmark Stadium, winning the game 41-31. Offensively, the Bills have looked phenomenal, however their defensive struggles have led to questions arising about whether this success can continue.
Against the Texans, Bills QB Josh Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns, while running in another 2. With only 1:36 remaining on the clock, Allen connected with WR Joshua Palmer for a 34-yard go ahead touchdown, putting Buffalo in the lead. DE Greg Rousseau secured the victory with a forced fumble that was recovered by LB Terrel Bernard. Although the defense had its struggles throughout the game, it came in clutch when it was needed most.
At the brand-new Highmark Stadium, Allen continued his strong performance, throwing for 20/31, while racking up 248 yards, three touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. RB James Cook also contributed to the mind boggling 41 points with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, with TE Dalton Kincaid catching seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo successfully turned all five red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, showing just how good Josh Allen and his supporting cast are.
The use of its elite talent gives us a reason to believe that the Bills offense can maintain its success. Cook’s elite run production, along with Dalton Kinciad, Keon Coleman, and Khalil Shakir receiving abilities all provide Allen with an arsenal of weapons. Opponents have to take into account that Buffalo’s offense excels in all areas, even with Allen capable of scoring on the ground himself. However, expecting the Bills to turn every red-zone possession into a touchdown is not a realistic expectation.
Defensively, the Bills have allowed 31 points in both of their first two games. Their offense has an average of 38.5 points scored per game, which leaves little room for regression. Against Detroit, Lions QB Jared Goff threw for a total of 327 yards and four touchdowns, proving the Buffalo’s early lead did not prevent them from finding success.
Buffalo has shown elite offensive play, to the point where they can remain competitive, even if they slow down a bit. However, if they want to be serious contenders, their defense needs to step up their game. Two games cannot accurately predict the rest of the season, but they can show that even with the defense not doing so great, the offense can step up and win games.
