ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes and ran for two scores as the Buffalo Bills beat the Detroit Lions 41-31 on Thursday night in the first regular-season game at Buffalo’s new Highmark Stadium, the Associated Press and Reuters reported.

Allen finished 20 of 31 for 248 yards through the air and added two rushing touchdowns in his fourth career five-touchdown game, per AP. The Bills improved to 2-0; the Lions fell to 1-1.

It was the first regular-season contest in the $2.1 billion stadium that opened across the street from Buffalo’s former home, AP reported. Allen scored the stadium’s first regular-season touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the opening quarter, then hit Josh Palmer for a 43-yard score on the next drive.

Allen piles up early scores

Buffalo scored touchdowns on each of its first four possessions. Tight ends Dawson Knox (1-yard catch) and Dalton Kincaid (16-yard catch) also scored in the first half as the Bills led 27-10 at the break after putting up 299 yards, according to the Bills’ official recap and AP.

James Cook ran for 134 yards and sealed the win with a 1-yard touchdown with 2:50 left, AP reported. Allen added 72 rushing yards on the night.

Reuters separately reported Allen with 14 carries for 69 yards and Cook with 21 carries for 135 yards — minor variances from the AP totals — while matching the final score and Allen’s three passing and two rushing touchdowns.

Goff’s four TD passes not enough

Jared Goff completed 26 of 38 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns for Detroit, per AP and Reuters. Amon-Ra St. Brown had nine catches for 142 yards and two scores; Jahmyr Gibbs scored on an 11-yard reception and was held to 52 rushing yards; Sam LaPorta added a 1-yard touchdown catch, AP reported.

Detroit cut the deficit to 34-24 early in the fourth before Buffalo forced a punt and Cook’s late touchdown pushed the lead to 41-24. Goff’s fourth scoring pass, to St. Brown with 1:42 left, set the 41-31 final, Reuters reported.

Buffalo next hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 27, the club said.

Sources