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NFL·RECAP·September 20, 2026 10:06 AM ET

Bills opt to receive opening kickoff in new stadium

Buffalo drove for a touchdown on its initial possession.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 201 min read
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He wanted to do everything possible to ensure Josh Allen played with a lead — and that the Bills scored the first points

What happened: The Buffalo Bills elected to receive the opening kickoff, intentionally bucking the analytical trend of deferring to the second half. The decision was made to ensure Josh Allen had the first opportunity to score in the team's new stadium.

Why it matters: The strategy paid off immediately, as Buffalo drove down the field for a touchdown and did not trail from that point. The sequence highlights a deliberate effort to establish early momentum rather than relying on the traditional middle-eight possession advantage.

What to watch: Watch if Buffalo continues to prioritize early offensive rhythm over deferring in future games.

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