After the excitement of the 2026 NFL Draft, all eyes in Buffalo are turning to the next big offseason event: the release of the regular-season schedule. For Bills Mafia, this annual tradition always brings a buzz, but this year carries something extra special—the grand opening of the new Highmark Stadium.

Few questions get fans more fired up than the home opener, an event that feels like a national holiday in Western New York. With eight of the Bills’ 17 games set for Orchard Park, the options are plentiful and packed with intrigue. The obvious candidates are the AFC East rivals: the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. Each brings its own history and heat, making any of them a worthy choice to christen the new turf.

But the NFC visitors shouldn't be overlooked. The Chicago Bears, fresh off a resurgent 2025 season under head coach Ben Johnson, are shaping up as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Then there’s the Detroit Lions—though 2025 was a down year, their offense remains one of the most electric in the league, promising a high-scoring shootout.

The AFC slate adds even more firepower. The Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens are all scheduled to visit, bringing a trio of superstar quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson. Of course, Mahomes' availability depends on his recovery from last season’s injury, but the potential for a Josh Allen vs. Mahomes showdown in Week 1 is enough to make any fan's heart race.

With so many enticing options, predicting the home opener is no easy task. But here’s my pick: the Buffalo Bills will host the New York Jets under the lights. I know the Jets might not be the flashiest choice, but there’s a method to the madness. For one, I expect the league to schedule this prime-time spectacle—it’s only fitting for a brand-new stadium debut. Plus, the history between these two teams adds a layer of drama that’s hard to beat. Get ready, Bills Mafia: the new Highmark Stadium is about to open with a bang.