Daily News 19

Tag: Thursday Night Football

  • Falcons vs. Packers Live Stream: How to Watch NFL Game Online for Free

    Falcons vs. Packers Live Stream: How to Watch NFL Game Online for Free

    Key Highlights

    • Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 24 at Lambeau Field for Week 3 Thursday Night Football.
    • The game streams free on Australia’s 7Plus platform, accessible worldwide using a VPN service such as ExpressVPN.
    • ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing viewers to stream the game risk-free before deciding on a subscription.

    Falcons Seek First Win Against Packers at Historic Lambeau Field

    The Atlanta Falcons travel to Green Bay for a critical Week 3 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Packers on September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field, one of the NFL’s most storied venues. Atlanta enters the contest still searching for its first victory of the 2024 season, while Green Bay earned a narrow overtime win over the New York Jets in Week 2 to move to 1-1. The Falcons have been hampered by key injuries early in the campaign, leaving them vulnerable against a Packers squad eager to build momentum before a national television audience.

    How to Watch Falcons vs. Packers Free via 7Plus and a VPN

    Viewers outside Australia can access a free live stream of the game through 7Plus, the streaming platform operated by the Seven Network. Because 7Plus enforces geo-restrictions limited to Australian IP addresses, international audiences need a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass the location block. The process is straightforward: subscribe to a streaming-optimized VPN, download the application to a preferred device, connect to an Australian server, then visit 7Plus to begin watching. This method works from virtually any country, providing a legal workaround for fans without access to traditional U.S. broadcast partners.

    Why ExpressVPN Leads for NFL Streaming

    ExpressVPN ranks as the top choice for bypassing geo-restrictions on NFL broadcasts, according to streaming analysts. The service operates servers in 105 countries, including multiple locations across Australia, ensuring reliable connections to 7Plus. Its applications support all major platforms — iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more — while maintaining a strict no-logging policy and fast, unthrottled speeds. Subscribers can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. A two-year plan currently sells for $68.40, a discount of 81 percent that includes four extra months free and a year of unlimited cloud backup. A single-month option is available for $12.99. Both tiers carry a 30-day money-back guarantee, effectively allowing users to stream Thursday night’s game and additional NFL action before committing financially.

    Why This Matters

    Thursday Night Football remains a focal point for the NFL’s streaming strategy, with Amazon Prime Video holding exclusive U.S. rights. For cord-cutters and international fans, free-to-air options like 7Plus represent a rare no-cost entry point to live games. The Falcons-Packers matchup carries playoff implications for both franchises: Atlanta needs a win to avoid an 0-3 start that would severely damage postseason hopes, while Green Bay aims to prove its overtime victory over the Jets was no fluke. The game also tests whether Jordan Love can maintain consistency at quarterback for the Packers against a Falcons defense missing several starters. As the league expands its global footprint, VPN-enabled access to foreign free streams highlights the ongoing tension between territorial broadcast rights and consumer demand for frictionless viewing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When and where does Falcons vs. Packers take place?
    The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
    Can I legally watch the game for free outside Australia?
    Yes. By using a VPN to connect to an Australian server, you can access the free 7Plus live stream from anywhere. The VPN itself requires a subscription, but services like ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you stream risk-free.
    What devices support the 7Plus stream via VPN?
    ExpressVPN and similar services provide apps for iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, smart TVs, streaming sticks, and routers, so you can watch on virtually any internet-connected screen.
  • Bills Open Highmark Stadium, Eyeing Notable Arena Debut

    Bills Open Highmark Stadium, Eyeing Notable Arena Debut

    The Buffalo Bills officially christen Highmark Stadium on Thursday night, hosting the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football in the venue’s first regular-season game. The $2.1 billion facility, which broke ground in May 2023, seats 60,108—roughly 10,000 fewer than the team’s previous home—and arrives engineered specifically for Western New York winters.

    Highmark Stadium built for Buffalo weather

    The stadium includes a natural grass field with underground heating coils to prevent freezing, what the team calls the world’s largest stadium snow-melt system that automatically monitors and melts accumulations using roof sensors, and a 360-degree canopy covering 60% of the seating bowl to reduce wind impact.

    A look back at notable NFL stadium openers

    As Buffalo opens its new home, here is a retrospective of opening games at currently active NFL stadiums.

    Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas Raiders (2020)

    Less than a year after their final game in Oakland, the Raiders debuted at the $2 billion, 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium on Monday Night Football. The coronavirus pandemic meant zero fans in attendance. Las Vegas fell behind the New Orleans Saints 10–0 in the first quarter before outscoring them 34–14 the rest of the way. Quarterback Derek Carr threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns; tight end Darren Waller caught 12 passes for 105 yards and a score.

    SoFi Stadium — Los Angeles Rams & Chargers (2020)

    Built at a cost exceeding $5 billion, SoFi Stadium is the world’s most expensive sports venue. The 3.1-million-square-foot, 70,000-seat stadium (expandable to 100,000) hosted separate debuts for its two tenants with contrasting results.

    The Rams opened on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, winning a back-and-forth game 20–17. A week later, the Chargers lost in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs. That game marked quarterback Justin Herbert’s NFL debut; he threw for 311 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, joining Cam Newton and Otto Graham as the only quarterbacks to reach 300 passing yards and a rushing score in their first game.

    Levi’s Stadium — San Francisco 49ers (2014)

    After over 40 years at Candlestick Park, the 49ers moved into the $1.3 billion, 68,500-seat Levi’s Stadium. The Chicago Bears spoiled the opener, scoring 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points to win 28–20. Colin Kaepernick threw consecutive fourth-quarter interceptions that led to Chicago touchdowns, and San Francisco’s final possession ended on a turnover on downs with 6:55 remaining.

    MetLife Stadium — New York Giants & Jets (2010)

    The former Giants Stadium tenants moved in together. The Giants opened against the Carolina Panthers—who had beaten them in the final game at the old venue—in front of just under 80,000 fans. New York reversed the result, winning 31–18 behind three touchdown passes from Eli Manning.

    The next night, the Jets faced the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Fresh off a conference championship appearance, New York lost a low-scoring 10–9 affair.

    AT&T Stadium — Dallas Cowboys (2009)

    Dubbed “Jerry’s World,” the $1.2 billion palace opened as a spectacle with over 100,000 attendees. Celebrities included former President George W. Bush, who performed the coin toss, and LeBron James, who threw a football on the field. The massive jumbotron and fireworks debuted on Sunday Night Football.

    The New York Giants were unfazed. After Dallas took a 31–30 lead with over three minutes left, New York drove for a game-winning 37-yard field goal as time expired. Eli Manning signed the visiting locker room wall afterward, writing the date, final score, and “first win in the new stadium.”

    NRG Stadium — Houston Texans (2002)

    The NFL’s most recent expansion team opened its stadium on Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys before just under 70,000 fans. No. 1 overall pick David Carr scored 75 seconds into the game, igniting the crowd. Houston never trailed en route to a 19–10 victory, becoming the first expansion team to win its debut since 1961.

  • How to Watch Lions vs. Bills NFL Game Online for Free

    How to Watch Lions vs. Bills NFL Game Online for Free

    Key Highlights

    • Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Sept. 17 at Highmark Stadium in the second week of the NFL season.
    • The game streams free on Australia’s 7Plus, accessible worldwide by connecting to an Australian server via a VPN such as ExpressVPN.
    • ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing viewers to stream the matchup and recover costs within the refund window.

    Thursday Night Football Returns with Lions-Bills Showdown

    The NFL’s Thursday Night Football slate resumes this week with a high-profile interconference clash as the Detroit Lions travel to face the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on September 17. Both franchises enter Week 2 unbeaten: the Lions survived a one-point overtime thriller against the New Orleans Saints in their opener, while the Bills secured a narrow victory over the Houston Texans. The early-season matchup pits two of the league’s most dynamic offenses against each other, with Detroit’s resurgence under head coach Dan Campbell meeting Buffalo’s perennial contender status led by quarterback Josh Allen.

    How to Watch Lions vs. Bills for Free from Anywhere

    Viewers seeking a no-cost live stream can turn to 7Plus, the free streaming platform operated by Australia’s Seven Network. The service carries the broadcast but enforces geo-restrictions limiting access to Australian IP addresses. To bypass this barrier, users can employ a virtual private network (VPN) to mask their actual location and route their connection through a server in Australia. The process involves subscribing to a streaming-capable VPN, installing the application on a preferred device, connecting to an Australian server, and then navigating to 7Plus to begin watching. This method works across smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

    ExpressVPN Recommended for Reliable NFL Streaming

    Among VPN providers, ExpressVPN is cited as the top choice for streaming NFL games due to its server footprint spanning 105 countries—including Australia—alongside apps for iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and other major platforms. The service maintains a strict no-logging policy, delivers fast connection speeds without throttling, and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs every plan. Pricing options include a one-month plan at $12.99 and a two-year subscription currently discounted to $68.40, which adds four extra months free (an 81% savings) and includes a year of unlimited cloud backup. By leveraging the refund guarantee, viewers can stream Thursday night’s game and additional NFL action before deciding whether to retain the service.

    Why This Matters

    The Lions-Bills matchup represents more than just a Week 2 spotlight game; it underscores the evolving landscape of sports media consumption. With premium live sports increasingly fragmented across paid platforms, geo-restricted free-to-air broadcasts like 7Plus have become valuable targets for international audiences using VPN technology. The NFL’s broadcasting agreements vary by territory, and while U.S. viewers typically require cable, YouTube TV, or Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football, the Australian market retains a free-over-the-air option. This dynamic fuels demand for VPN services that specialize in streaming unblocking, particularly those offering risk-free trials via money-back guarantees. As the league expands its global footprint, the tension between territorial rights and borderless digital access will continue to shape how fans watch games.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When and where does the Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills game take place?
    The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 17 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
    Can I legally watch Lions vs. Bills for free outside Australia?
    7Plus is a legitimate free streaming service in Australia. Using a VPN to access it from abroad falls into a legal gray area that depends on local laws and the platform’s terms of service; viewers should review applicable regulations in their jurisdiction.
    What VPN features matter most for streaming NFL games?
    Key factors include servers in the target country (Australia for 7Plus), fast and consistent speeds for HD video, a no-logging privacy policy, broad device compatibility, and a reliable money-back guarantee to test the service risk-free.
  • Lions vs. Bills: Three Must-Know Storylines for Thursday’s Week 2 Prime-Time Game

    Lions vs. Bills: Three Must-Know Storylines for Thursday’s Week 2 Prime-Time Game

    Can Either Defense Contain the Opposition’s Explosive Offense?

    The Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions enter their Week 2 matchup with offenses that appeared unstoppable in the season opener, but the central question remains whether either defense can impose its will. Detroit managed just one scoreless quarter in Week 1, highlighting the challenge ahead.

    Josh Allen Dominates Elite Texans Defense

    Josh Allen accounted for 357 yards of total offense and four touchdowns against a Houston Texans unit that allowed the fewest yards and second-fewest points in the NFL during the 2025 season. The Texans returned a largely intact roster for 2026, featuring five Pro Bowl starters from last year, including first-team All-Pro selections Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. If Houston’s premier defense could not slow Allen, the league must wonder which unit can.

    Lions Secondary Faces Significant Injury Hurdles

    Detroit’s path to an upset relies heavily on keeping its defense off the field through ball control. However, the Lions enter the game with a patchwork secondary due to injuries to Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. While Detroit possesses front-seven All-Pro talent in Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell, the compromised backfield faces a daunting assignment against Buffalo’s aerial attack.

    Detroit’s Ground Game Could Exploit Buffalo’s Run Defense

    The Lions’ clearest formula for success involves pounding the rock and dominating time of possession. This strategy appears viable against a Bills run defense that surrendered 124 rushing yards to the Texans in the opener. David Montgomery, former running mate of Jahmyr Gibbs, punched in two of his three touchdowns on the ground. Run defense was a pronounced weakness for Buffalo last season, when the unit yielded 136.2 yards per game, ranking 28th in the league.

    Early Test for New Coordinators

    Thursday night presents a significant early test for new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. On the opposite sideline, first-year Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing showed no inclination to hold back, deploying game-breaker Jahmyr Gibbs for a career-high 34 touches in Week 1. The strategic chess match between these coordinators will likely dictate the game’s flow.

  • NFL Week 2 Schedule: Full List of Games and Matchups

    NFL Week 2 Schedule: Full List of Games and Matchups

    NFL Week 2 Schedule: Full Slate of Games, Times and Matchups

    The 2025 NFL season is officially underway after an explosive opening weekend that featured record-setting scoring, a Super Bowl rematch, an international game in Australia, and several dramatic returns. Now the league shifts into Week 2 with a packed schedule highlighted by prime-time showdowns and key divisional rivalries.

    Thursday Night Football: Bills vs. Lions Opens New Stadium Era

    The week kicks off with a potential Super Bowl preview on Thursday Night Football. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (1-0) host Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions (1-0) in the inaugural regular-season game at the Bills’ new stadium. Both offenses enter the matchup riding high after Week 1 victories.

    Sunday Early Window: Eight Games at 1 p.m. ET

    Sunday’s early slate features eight contests, including several divisional battles:

    • Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – NFC North rivalry renewed
    • Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys – High-stakes NFC East clash
    • Additional early games rounding out the 1 p.m. ET window

    Sunday Late Afternoon: Four Games at 4:05/4:25 p.m. ET

    The late window showcases four matchups with playoff implications:

    • Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos – AFC showdown between two of 2025’s top teams
    • Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – Classic AFC rivalry
    • Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals – Emerging AFC contenders collide
    • One additional late-afternoon contest

    Sunday Night Football: Chiefs Host Colts in AFC Heavyweight Bout

    NBC’s Sunday Night Football delivers an AFC marquee matchup as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs welcome Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts to Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams enter 1-0 with championship aspirations.

    Monday Night Football: Giants-Rams Cap Week 2

    The week concludes with an NFC battle on Monday Night Football. Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants—fresh off a Sunday Night Football win in Week 1—travel west to face Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, who are returning home after their season-opening game in Melbourne, Australia.

    Week 2 at a Glance

    Day Featured Matchup Network/Time
    Thursday Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET)
    Sunday 8 early games + 4 late games 1:00 p.m. & 4:05/4:25 p.m. ET
    Sunday Night Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs NBC (8:20 p.m. ET)
    Monday New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET)

    With five divisional games on the docket and multiple rematches of 2024 playoff teams, Week 2 offers an early look at the AFC and NFC hierarchy. Stay tuned for injury updates, weather reports, and betting lines as kickoff approaches.

  • NFL Week 2 Betting Odds, Lines, and Totals for Every Game

    NFL Week 2 Betting Odds, Lines, and Totals for Every Game

    NFL Week 2 Odds, Lines, and Matchup Analysis

    Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season delivered plenty of surprises, high-scoring affairs, and standout individual performances. As the league turns its attention to Week 2, the action kicks off Thursday night with a marquee matchup between the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills — a game that currently carries the highest posted total of the week.

    Several intriguing matchups follow on Sunday, including the Chicago Bears hosting the Minnesota Vikings, the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Houston Texans facing the Cincinnati Bengals. The slate wraps up Monday night with the Los Angeles Rams looking to rebound from a disappointing Week 1 when they host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

    Below is a complete look at the odds for every Week 2 game, sourced from DraftKings and subject to change. All odds reflect the current lines as of publication.

    Thursday Night Football

    Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills (-3.5)

    • Kickoff: Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video
    • Moneyline: Lions (+154); Bills (-185)
    • Total: 53.5 (Opened: 52.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Bills by 4.2 with a 64% probability to win outright

    Sunday Early Slate (1 p.m. ET)

    Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (-5.5)

    • TV: Fox
    • Line Movement: Opened Bears -3.5
    • Moneyline: Vikings (+205); Bears (-250)
    • Total: 49.5 (Opened: 45.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Bears by 2.6 with a 59% probability to win outright

    Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8.5)

    • TV: CBS
    • Line Movement: Opened Buccaneers -5.5
    • Moneyline: Browns (+295); Buccaneers (-375)
    • Total: 40.5 (Opened: 42.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Buccaneers by 8.3 with a 78% probability to win outright

    Philadelphia Eagles (-7) at Tennessee Titans

    • TV: Fox
    • Line Movement: Opened Eagles -4.5
    • Moneyline: Eagles (-310); Titans (+250)
    • Total: 40.5 (Opened: 42.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Eagles by 5.5 with a 70% probability to win outright

    Carolina Panthers (-1.5) at Atlanta Falcons

    • TV: Fox
    • Line Movement: Opened Falcons -1.5
    • Moneyline: Panthers (-125); Falcons (+110)
    • Total: 43.5 (Opened: 43.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Falcons by 1.8 with a 57% probability to win outright

    Green Bay Packers (-4.5) at New York Jets

    • TV: Fox
    • Line Movement: Opened Packers -6.5
    • Moneyline: Packers (-225); Jets (+185)
    • Total: 44.5 (Opened: 42.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Packers by 3.2 with a 62% probability to win outright

    Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-5.5)

    • TV: CBS
    • Moneyline: Steelers (+195); Patriots (-238)
    • Total: 41.5 (Opened: 43.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Patriots by 4.2 with a 66% probability to win outright

    New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens (-8.5)

    • TV: CBS
    • Moneyline: Saints (+295); Ravens (-375)
    • Total: 47.5 (Opened: 46.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Ravens by 7.7 with a 77% probability to win outright

    Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans (-3)

    • TV: CBS
    • Moneyline: Bengals (+124); Texans (-148)
    • Total: 46.5 (Opened: 46.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Texans by 1.1 with a 56% probability to win outright

    Sunday Afternoon Slate

    Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers (-7)

    • Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
    • Moneyline: Raiders (+235); Chargers (-290)
    • Total: 44.5 (Opened: 42.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Chargers by 5.6 with a 69% probability to win outright

    Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos (-2.5)

    • Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
    • Moneyline: Jaguars (+124); Broncos (-148)
    • Total: 43.5 (Opened: 44.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Jaguars by 0.8 with a 53% probability to win outright

    Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers (-12.5)

    • Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
    • Line Movement: Opened 49ers -10.5
    • Moneyline: Dolphins (+600); 49ers (-900)
    • Total: 46.5 (Opened: 46.5)
    • FPI Favorite: 49ers by 14.3 with a 91% probability to win outright

    Seattle Seahawks (-4.5) at Arizona Cardinals

    • Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
    • Line Movement: Opened Seahawks -10
    • Moneyline: Seahawks (-225); Cardinals (+185)
    • Total: 41.5 (Opened: 44.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Cardinals by 1.0 with a 54% probability to win outright

    Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)

    • Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
    • Moneyline: Commanders (+164); Cowboys (-198)
    • Total: 50.5 (Opened: 51.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Cowboys by 3.8 with a 64% probability to win outright

    Sunday Night Football

    Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5)

    • Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
    • Moneyline: Colts (+235); Chiefs (-290)
    • Total: 48.5 (Opened: 47.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Chiefs by 5.7 with a 70% probability to win outright

    Monday Night Football

    New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams (-7)

    • Kickoff: Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC
    • Moneyline: Giants (+275); Rams (-345)
    • Total: 48.5 (Opened: 47.5)
    • FPI Favorite: Rams by 4.5 with a 66% probability to win outright

    Note: All odds provided by DraftKings and are subject to change. FPI (Football Power Index) probabilities reflect ESPN’s predictive model.