The Detroit Lions started the 2026 campaign with a win. It wasn't the smoothest or the most impressive win, but their record is 1-0 nonetheless, and that's the only thing that matters at this stage of the season.
It looked like the season opener was headed for a blowout Lions win when they got off to a 21-0 start. Then the Lions took their foot off the gas, allowing the Saints to take the game to overtime with a 24-3 run in the second half.
At the end of the day, all is well that ends well. The Lions got a stop on the two-point conversion and escaped with a win. However, this doesn't bode well for Detroit's second game of the season.
Lions will regret letting the Saints come back
The Lions head to Buffalo for a Thursday Night Football clash against the Bills. The first game in the new Highmark Stadium will make for an electric atmosphere, and the Lions would love to spoil the party as the road underdogs.
Unfortunately, not putting the Saints away on Sunday when they could have may come back to bite the Lions.
The short turnaround is not ideal on most weeks. It's even worse this early in the season, going on the road to Buffalo. Add in the fact that the Lions played 70 minutes of football against the Saints, and there will be some tired legs in Week 2.
The Lions' defense played a total of 90 snaps on Sunday. Jack Campbell was out there for every snap. Avonte Maddox, Alim McNeill, Rock Ya-Sin, and DJ Reed all played more than 80 snaps. Aidan Hutchinson was on the field for 75 snaps.
This group will now go up against the Bills, who put up 36 points on one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Houston Texans.
Similar concerns exist for the offensive side of the ball. The Lions lost Christian Mahogany early on Sunday and will likely be without him on Thursday. The offense was on the field for 77 snaps, and there was an overreliance on Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 34 touches. How he will fare against the Bills will be fascinating to watch.
On one hand, this is a good, early test for Dan Campbell and the team. Putting up a good fight against Buffalo on a quick turnaround after an overtime game will signal good things for the rest of the season. A deflating loss after barely squeaking out a win against the Saints would force the Lions to ask themselves some tough questions.
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