The 2026 NFL season is finally here, and the Detroit Lions will open their campaign at home against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Ford Field.
Detroit enters the matchup looking to bounce back from a disappointing 9-8 season that saw the team miss the playoffs after entering the year with much higher expectations. The Lions still have one of the league’s most talented offenses, led by quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Saints, meanwhile, are beginning their 60th season and are hoping to take another step forward under head coach Kellen Moore. New Orleans finished 6-11 last season but ended the year with four wins in its final five games, giving the team optimism heading into 2026.
Lions Offense Could Be the Difference
Detroit’s offense was one of the league’s best last season, ranking second in total offense and second in passing offense. Gibbs could be especially important this season after the offseason departure of David Montgomery, potentially giving the young running back an even larger role.
Goff will also have to deal with a Saints defense that uses a 3-4 base scheme under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. New Orleans will likely try to pressure Goff while limiting explosive plays from Detroit’s playmakers.
Saints Look to Tyler Shough
For New Orleans, all eyes will be on quarterback Tyler Shough.
Shough enters his second NFL season as the Saints’ established starter after showing promise late in his rookie campaign. He will face a Detroit defense led by star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who recorded 14.5 sacks last season.
The Saints will also need Chris Olave to make an impact. Olave remains one of the team’s biggest offensive weapons, and his matchup with Detroit cornerback D.J. Reed could be one of the game’s most important individual battles.
Key Matchup
The biggest question could be whether New Orleans can keep Shough clean.
Detroit’s defensive line has been strengthened this offseason, while Hutchinson remains the centerpiece of the pass rush. If the Lions can consistently pressure Shough, they could force the young quarterback into difficult decisions.
At the same time, New Orleans will need its defense to find a way to slow down Gibbs, St. Brown and Goff
This should be a fascinating opening-week matchup, but Detroit appears to have the advantage at home.
The Lions have more proven offensive firepower, while the Saints are still developing around Shough. Detroit also has the benefit of playing in front of its home crowd at Ford Field.
The Saints have enough talent to make this competitive, but expect Detroit to start the season with a win.
