The Detroit Lions will host the New Orleans Saints in their 2026 season opener. Following back-to-back seasons with double-digit losses, the Saints will be significant underdogs in Week 1 at Ford Field. In fact, in betting markets, the Lions are a 7-point favorite, only behind the Chargers, who are hosting the Cardinals, and the Jaguars, who are hosting the Browns.
This is an excellent opportunity for the Lions to start the season on the right foot. Especially considering the favorable schedule they have all season, a big win against the Saints can help starting to build momentum.
Saints' injury concerns should help the Lions in Week 1
To make matters even more favorable for the Lions, the Saints are dealing with significant injuries. On Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that star running back Alvin Kamara just suffered a sprained MCL and will miss at least a month.
This comes on the heels of the Saints' rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson's hamstring injury that will force him to miss around two months. The No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tyson was expected to have a large role in the Saints' offense right away. Now, it will be up to Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele to take on an expanded role on the outside.
The Saints still have Travis Etienne Jr. on the backfield, who is coming off a 1,107-yard season. He will be the Saints' biggest weapon in Week 1. Dan Campbell has made run defense such an important part of the Lions' offseason, so how well Detroit's frontline will deal with Etienne Jr. will be fascinating to watch.
Last season, New Orleans was a bottom-five offensive unit in terms of points and bottom-ten in yards. Tyler Shough is still their quarterback, and they are unlikely to fare much better in 2026.
Plus, the Saints are also dealing with injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Star defender Cameron Jordan also has a hamstring injury that has him listed as questionable for Week 1. Linebacker Pete Werner, cornerback Quincy Riley, and defensive end John Ridgeway are also currently out and may miss the season opener.
The Lions, who aren't without their own injury problems, should take advantage of the Saints' key absences. This will be especially important since the Lions head off to Buffalo to take on the Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2. That could potentially be the most difficult game on the calendar for the Lions this season, so coming out of Week 1 healthy and with a big win will be very important.
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