Speaking with reporters, Allen commented on the team’s decision to keep four tight ends on the roster. “I think you’ll see TEs have to (play FB role).. I think it puts a bind on defenses.. It messes with some rules. Whatever gives us an advantage in the run or pass game.. The 4 TEs we have are very smart and can do what they’re asked to do,” Allen said.

The tight ends tasked with delivering on offense are Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes, and Keleki Latu. All four have earned Allen’s full confidence and will play crucial roles around him.

Josh Allen’s ongoing Super Bowl motivation

Allen remains driven by the goal to reach a Super Bowl rather than settling for contender status where big-game pressure has previously taken a toll. For the quarterback, that internal drive extends back to his early football journey.

“Having zero offers out of high school, and still playing with that little chip that I have,” Allen said. “Going into the season, blank slate — we’re all 0-0. It’s a new season. I’m just trying to enjoy this game that I love.”

The Bills continue practice this week, with another session scheduled for Wednesday, as they ramp up toward their season opener against the Houston Texans on September 13.

Coaching staff and front office maintain high expectations

Head coach Joe Brady and the front office also met with the media, projecting strong confidence in the group. Brady, entering his first NFL season as head coach after four years on the Bills’ staff, noted that expectations remain unchanged.

“There’s not a person in this room or this city or wherever that has higher expectations, and I’m always asking them myself,” Brady said. The external pressure comes especially after team owner Terry Pegula pointed to what he called the “proverbial playoff wall” facing the franchise.

“We’ve been a steady contender. We didn’t win the division last year, but we still made the postseason,” general manager Brandon Beane said. “We’re excited about this team and excited about what’s still coming together. I’m not going to sit up here and make any crazy predictions; we haven’t even played a game.”

According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, the Steelers could very well be interested in Stone’s services to add to their free safety depth. Stone, who played 34 games for the Bengals in the last two years, could stay in the AFC North.

Stone is just 27 years old, in the middle of his prime, and has been consistent, healthy, and fruitful during his career. While it might be alarming that he didn’t make the cut for the Bills, he could be a blessing in disguise for the Steelers.

Steelers FS depth chart

The free safety position is one where the Steelers really need improvement. They only have two on the roster in the names of Jaquan Brisker and Rayshawn Jenkins. Stone could easily be an upgrade, or at least contribute heavily in the rotation.

After all, Stone had two interceptions (including a pick six), four passes defended, two sacks, and 104 tackles in 2025. Those are better stats than Brisker’s, for instance, except on the passes defended category, where Brisker had eight.

Stone does have a big flaw

Stone has to get way better at tackling. Even if he surpassed the 100-tackle mark, his missed tackle rate was a career-high 20%. In total, he had 26 missed tackles in 2025 for the Bengals.

Per Next Gen Stats (NGS), Stone held one of the highest individual missed tackle rates among qualified safeties, finishing with a 53.8 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.

How to watch Bills vs Steelers in the USA

Bills vs Steelers will be available to watch on NFL Network and stream through Fubo and NFL+ in the United States.

Can I watch Bills vs Steelers for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can currently use a 5-day free trial to watch Bills vs Steelers. The official game listing currently displays the matchup with a “Try for free” option, while its NFL Network page also advertises access to the channel.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Bills vs. Steelers matchup is the final preseason game for both teams, making it an important evaluation opportunity before the regular season begins. Buffalo enters the finale with a 2-0 record, following a 31-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, while Pittsburgh is 1-1 after being shut out 17-0 by the New York Jets.

For both coaching staffs, the focus is less on the final preseason record and more on identifying the players who deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. Buffalo will still give some starters a chance to play, but Josh Allen will not be among them.

Head coach Joe Brady confirmed that some projected starters are expected to see action against Pittsburgh, while Allen will sit out the preseason finale. The game therefore represents an opportunity for players competing for key roles—including the backup quarterback, left guard and punt returner positions—to strengthen their cases before roster decisions are finalized.

The Steelers also have several roster questions to resolve, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line. Will Howard and Drew Allar are among the young players who need valuable preseason reps, while first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor is preparing to make his preseason debut after missing Pittsburgh’s first two games with an upper-body injury.

What time is the Bills vs Steelers match?

The Bills vs Steelers match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 7:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, and represents the final preseason game for both teams before the 2026 regular season.

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

The Bills are once again hoping to finally win the championship with Josh Allen leading the offense. Buffalo begins a new era after the surprising departure of Sean McDermott and the arrival of Joe Brady as the team’s head coach.

The Steelers are also beginning a new chapter. Mike McCarthy has taken over after Mike Tomlin parted ways with the franchise, while Aaron Rodgers is expected to lead Pittsburgh’s offense in 2026. The biggest questions for the Steelers, however, remain further down the quarterback depth chart.

Who will be starting QB for Bills vs Steelers?

Shane Buechele will start at quarterback for the Bills against the Steelers. Joe Brady has little reason to expose Josh Allen to unnecessary contact in the final preseason game, particularly with the regular season just around the corner.

Who will start for Steelers vs Bills?

Will Howard is expected to start against the Bills. The final choice was a game-time decision, adding another layer of intrigue to Pittsburgh’s final preseason matchup. Unlike Buffalo, the Steelers have plenty to evaluate at quarterback beyond their established starter.

Aaron Rodgers will not play against the Bills. With Rodgers already expected to be Pittsburgh’s QB1, McCarthy has no reason to expose the veteran to unnecessary preseason contact.

The bigger question is how Pittsburgh divides the remaining snaps between Howard and Drew Allar. The situation is particularly important because the Steelers must determine how many quarterbacks they are willing to carry into the regular season.

Rodgers provides experience at the top of the depth chart, while Allar and Howard represent the team’s potential long-term options. Rudolph, meanwhile, brings valuable NFL experience as a proven backup.

With the regular season approaching, today’s game could therefore be one of the final opportunities for Allar and Howard to make their cases to McCarthy before the Steelers finalize their roster.

Following the warning, Browns and Bills players, coaching staffs and everyone inside the stadium were instructed to move to protected areas. The decision was made as a precaution against the risk posed by lightning in the area, temporarily putting the highly anticipated preseason matchup on hold.

The suspension comes at an especially interesting moment for Cleveland, with the game carrying significant importance for the Browns’ quarterback competition. Shedeur Sanders was scheduled to start against Buffalo, with Deshaun Watson also expected to see action as the Browns continue evaluating their options at quarterback.

Why was Browns vs Bills suspended?

The Browns-Bills game was suspended because of a lightning threat in Cleveland. NFL stadiums follow strict weather-safety procedures when lightning is detected nearby, requiring players, coaches, officials and spectators to seek shelter until conditions are considered safe.

That meant the football action had to take a back seat to safety. The Browns and Bills had already completed a joint practice earlier in the week, making Saturday’s preseason matchup an important opportunity for both teams to evaluate players in game conditions.

For Cleveland, the delay is particularly frustrating because the quarterback battle has made this one of the most intriguing preseason games on the schedule. Sanders was expected to receive the first-half opportunity, while Watson was slated for the third quarter, giving the Browns another chance to compare the two quarterbacks.

When will Browns vs Bills game resume?

The game between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills will resume at 2:15 PM (ET). Shedeur Sanders will take the field as starter to lead the offense trying to claim QB1 job.

Shedeur Sanders vs Deshaun Watson adds intrigue

Shedeur Sanders enters the game with plenty to prove after being given the opportunity to start against Buffalo. The second-year quarterback has been competing with Watson for the Browns’ starting job, and his performance could play an important role in the decision-making process heading into the regular season.

Watson, meanwhile, is looking to strengthen his case after making his preseason debut against the Chicago Bears. Cleveland’s coaching staff has been evaluating both quarterbacks closely, and the Browns reportedly view the upcoming decision as one that could be made shortly after this preseason matchup.

For now, though, football has to wait. The Browns and Bills must remain in their designated shelters until the lightning threat passes and officials determine that it is safe to resume play. That could make the eventual return to the field even more important for a Browns team searching for clarity at quarterback.

How to watch Browns vs Bills in the USA

The Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills preseason game will be available in the United States on NFL Network. For viewers who prefer streaming, Fubo is another official option, alongside NFL+.

Can I watch Browns vs Bills for free?

Yes, eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Browns vs. Bills for free with the 5-day free trial. The platform’s official listing for the game currently shows a “Try for free” option and confirms that the matchup will be carried on NFL Network.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, so Saturday’s result will not count toward the regular-season standings. Instead, the game is a key evaluation opportunity as both teams continue shaping their rosters.

Buffalo enters the matchup 1-0 after beating the Carolina Panthers 29-14, while Cleveland is looking for a response after a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears in its preseason opener.

For the Browns, the biggest storyline is the quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Sanders is expected to start against Buffalo after Watson opened the preseason against Chicago, giving the rookie another important opportunity to make his case for the job.

Cleveland‘s unofficial depth chart still lists Watson and Sanders together at the top of the quarterback position, highlighting how unresolved the battle remains.

For Buffalo, the preseason win over Carolina provided a strong start, but the focus remains on developing depth and evaluating players ahead of the regular season. The Bills have several roster decisions to make, while Cleveland is under particular pressure to find answers at quarterback after its opening-week struggles.

With only one more preseason game remaining after Saturday, the Browns vs. Bills matchup could be especially important for players trying to move up the depth chart before final roster decisions are made.

What time is the Browns vs Bills match?

The Browns vs. Bills game kicks off on Saturday, August 22, at 1:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 1:00 PM ET
• Central Time: 12:00 PM CT
• Mountain Time: 11:00 AM MT
• Pacific Time: 10:00 AM PT

This is primarily about preserving the players’ health with the regular-season opener just around the corner. The decision was made following last Thursday’s joint practice, where both coaches were able to see the results they were looking for on the field.

The Browns appear to be exploring other options, and at least at the quarterback position, it looks like both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will get the chance to play for the Dawg Pound. Slowly but surely, both teams are beginning to finalize the details of what is expected to be a difficult season.

Respect for Deshaun Watson

The Bills and Browns had an interesting joint practice ahead of their preseason matchup, where Josh Allen and Deshaun Watson went head-to-head on the field in Ohio. The two players have known each other for a long time, and that mutual respect was evident in Allen’s words about his colleague.

“Just glad to see him out there,” Allen said to the press. “I know how frustrating that can be to not be out there with your teammates and your brothers and continuing to fight to get back healthy, to get back on the field. And when you get there and then it happens again, so to have that mental resolve. Not a lot of people have that. It’s good to see him healthy again.”

What’s next for the Bills?

The Bills’ preseason debut came against the Carolina Panthers at home, resulting in a 29-14 victory. After their game against the Browns, only one preseason matchup will remain: against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the new Highmark Stadium next Thursday, August 27.

Buffaloes’ first challenges

Being a contender means getting off to a strong start in a season that promises to be highly competitive. Under new head coach Joe Brady, these will be the first challenges facing Bills Mafia starting in Week 1:

• Week 1, at Houston Texans – September 13
• Week 2, vs Detroit Lions – September 17
• Week 3, vs Los Angeles Chargers – September 27
• Week 4, vs New England Patriots – October 4
• Week 5, at Los Angeles Rams – October 12

“Everybody that’s healthy is going to be playing out there on Saturday,” the head coach Joe Brady said Thursday during his press conference regarding Allen‘s status. Number 17 is the team’s biggest star, and his health will allow him to play several snaps.

ESPN and National NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe revealed on X the latest on Bryce Young’s status for this matchup in Orchard Park: “Bryce Young will plan 10-15 snaps today with starters. He’s having his best training camp as a pro, per multiple Panthers contacts.”

With Allen as the top star

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are determined to maintain their reign as top contenders in the AFC East, driven by the elite leadership and dual-threat prowess of superstar quarterback Josh Allen. Coming off a strong 2025 campaign where they posted an impressive 12-5 record, Buffalo remains focused on making another deep playoff run.

As they fine-tune their roster, the Bills will build momentum through their upcoming preseason matchups, traveling to face the Cleveland Browns on August 22 before returning home to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27.

Carolina looks to pull off an upset

Building off an 8-9 finish in 2025 that saw them capture the NFC South title, the Carolina Panthers enter this campaign all-in on Bryce Young as their centerpiece to elevate the offense to the next level.

While the young franchise quarterback anchors their aspirations, Carolina is working through preseason adjustments—including navigating a hamstring injury sustained by Haynes King against the Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game—as they tune up in remaining exhibition matchups at the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 21 and home against the Houston Texans on August 28.

How to watch Bills vs Panthers in the USA

The Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills NFL preseason matchup will be available to stream live on NFL+ and Fubo. This is the only streaming option for Bills fans outside the local market, with the service carrying live preseason games.

Can I watch Bills vs Panthers for free?

Yes, viewers can watch Bills vs. Panthers for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. The game is available throughthe platform, and it currently advertises the matchup with the option to start a free trial and watch for $0 today.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Buffalo Bills open their 2026 preseason against the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, but Saturday’s matchup carries extra interest because Buffalo plans to put Josh Allen and its other healthy starters on the field.

The Bills are coming off a 12-5 season that ended with a Divisional Round loss to Denver, and the preseason opener will give the coaching staff an early opportunity to evaluate the team before the regular season begins.

Allen’s appearance is one of the main storylines in Buffalo. The quarterback will get his first game action of the new season, while several roster battles will also be under the spotlight.

DJ Moore has impressed during training camp, while Josh Palmer and Keon Coleman are competing for a larger role at wide receiver. On defense, rookie linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr has emerged as one of the players to watch after making a strong impression during camp.

Carolina arrives with its own important evaluations to make. The Panthers already played the Hall of Fame Game against Arizona on August 6, but Buffalo represents a tougher test and will be the first preseason matchup in which Carolina’s starters are expected to play.

Head coach Dave Canales has confirmed that the starters will see action, while running back Jonathon Brooks is set to return to game action after missing the 2025 season with injury.

The Panthers also need to manage their quarterback situation carefully. Bryce Young remains the starter, while Haynes King is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered during the Hall of Fame Game. Carolina recently added Kyle Trask to its quarterback room, but Young is expected to receive an opportunity to work with the first-team offense against Buffalo.

What time is the Bills vs Panthers match?

The Bills vs. Panthers game kicks off on Saturday, August 15, at 1:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 1:00 PM
• Central Time: 12:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 11:00 AM
• Pacific Time: 10:00 AM

“We’ve put it in the past. We’ve learned from it,” Allen said during an appearance on the “This Is Football” podcast. “And we’ve been in the playoffs a lot of times in the last however many years I’ve been here now — just continuing to find ways to learn from it. And I think it’s a hard pill to swallow sometimes because we haven’t gotten it done.

“But you knock enough at the door, it’s going to open at some point. And that’s just what we have to keep doing is keep knocking on that door and giving ourselves chances to be in that situation again.”

The 1990s could have represented the ultimate glory for Bills Mafia in terms of championships, but far from that, they still have not been able to lift a Vince Lombardi Trophy. Will this be the season, with Joe Brady as their new head coach, when everything changes?

The Bills’ thorn

The Buffalo Bills have appeared in four Super Bowls in their franchise history, remarkably reaching the championship game in four consecutive years from 1991 to 1994—an NFL record. Unfortunately, despite this historic streak, they were unable to secure a victory, falling to the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and twice to the Dallas Cowboys.

• Super Bowl XXV (Jan 27, 1991): Buffalo Bills 19, New York Giants 20
• Super Bowl XXVI (Jan 26, 1992): Buffalo Bills 24, Washington Redskins 37
• Super Bowl XXVII (Jan 31, 1993): Buffalo Bills 17, Dallas Cowboys 52
• Super Bowl XXVIII (Jan 30, 1994): Buffalo Bills 13, Dallas Cowboys 30

New year, same goal for the Bills

Josh Allen will once again lead the Bills, who, following Sean McDermott’s departure, will be aiming to be playing in February. With a challenging schedule and several tough opponents awaiting them in 2026, Buffalo is determined to reclaim the AFC East title.

• Week 1, at Houston Texans – September 13
• Week 2, vs Detroit Lions – September 17
• Week 3, vs Los Angeles Chargers – September 27
• Week 4, vs New England Patriots – October 4
• Week 5, at Los Angeles Rams – October 12

“It’s going good,” the former Chicago Bears receiver said, via Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News. “I mean, it’s gonna be perfect later on, but right now it’s still growing pains.”

After his stint in the Windy City, Moore arrives in Buffalo with the intention of becoming his new quarterback’s top target. All signs point to that happening by Week 1, as the chemistry between the two continues to develop steadily, albeit gradually.

Moore must regain his elite level

Despite coming off a down year with the Chicago Bears in 2025, where he registered a career-low 682 receiving yards on 50 catches but still managed to grab 6 touchdowns, DJ Moore is poised to completely revitalize the Buffalo Bills’ offense in 2026.

The Bills aggressively addressed their desperate need for a proven veteran weapon by executing a blockbuster trade at the start of the league year, sending their 2026 second-round pick (No. 60 overall) to Chicago in exchange for Moore and a 2026 fifth-round selection.

This move sets up a massive offensive boost for Buffalo; not only does Moore excel at destroying man coverage and stretching the field, but he also perfectly pairs with Josh Allen and reunites with Joe Brady, under whom Moore recorded back-to-back 1,100-plus yard campaigns in Carolina.

An intriguing receiving corps for Allen

Josh Allen is going to have some serious fun spreading the ball around this year with a completely revamped targets list. Leading the charge is the aforementioned Moore, while Joshua Palmer slides in as a super reliable, physical weapon on the outside. Add the chemistry he already has with Khalil Shakir working out of the slot, and Allen suddenly has a dynamic, incredibly well-rounded trio ready to make some noise in 2026.