Josh Allen Looks Right at Home as Bills Open New Stadium With Preseason Victory.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills opened a new chapter Saturday afternoon, but the player leading the offense looked as comfortable as ever. Josh Allen made an impressive preseason debut inside Buffalo’s new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium, helping the Bills defeat the Carolina Panthers 29-14. With a new stadium, a new head coach in Joe Brady and several changes on offense, Allen provided some familiarity by quickly finding his rhythm.

Allen completed 6 of 8 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown while leading Buffalo to points on each of his two possessions. The Bills quarterback wasted little time showing off the passing attack. On Buffalo’s first offensive snap, Allen connected with Khalil Shakir for 21 yards off play action. The drive eventually ended with Tyler Bass converting a 33-yard field goal. Buffalo found the end zone on Allen’s next possession. One of the biggest plays came on third-and-15 when newly acquired receiver DJ Moore made an 18-yard catch along the sideline to keep the drive alive. Allen later escaped the pocket and threw across his body to Keon Coleman for a 9-yard touchdown. Moore, acquired from Chicago during the offseason, made an immediate impact in his first preseason appearance with Buffalo. He caught three passes for 61 yards and showed signs that he could become an important part of the Bills’ offense. The Bills did receive a brief injury scare when Moore came up limping after a reception. Trainers examined his right foot and lower leg before he eventually put his shoe back on. He did not return to the game, although Brady said Moore told him on the sideline that he was “good to go.” While Buffalo’s starting offense found success, Carolina had a much more difficult afternoon.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young played three series and finished 3 of 5 passing for just 18 yards. Carolina managed only 11 total yards during those possessions and went three-and-out on its opening drive. The Panthers were also missing several key offensive linemen. Starting tackles Ickey Ekwonu and Taylor Moton were unavailable, along with guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Carolina’s offense improved once Kenny Pickett entered the game. Pickett completed 16 of 19 passes for 92 yards and connected with Ja’Seem Reed for a 6-yard touchdown before halftime. Kyle Trask later added a 9-yard touchdown pass to John Metchie in the final minute. Buffalo pulled away in the fourth quarter behind its rushing attack. Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr. each scored touchdowns, with their rushing scores coming four minutes apart. Bass finished 3 of 4 on field-goal attempts in his first game action since Buffalo’s 2025 preseason finale. He missed a 45-yard attempt wide right after sitting out all of last season because of pelvis and hip injuries. For Buffalo, the afternoon provided an encouraging first look at an offense adjusting to several changes. Allen’s early connection with Moore and his touchdown to Coleman highlighted a strong opening performance as the Bills began life in their new stadium with a victory. The Panthers will continue their preseason schedule Friday night at Jacksonville. Buffalo will travel to Cleveland for a joint practice Thursday before facing the Browns in a preseason matchup on Aug. 22.