New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions: preview, kick-off time, prediction and how to watch on DAZN

Detroit are aiming to return to the playoffs after finishing the 2025 season with a 9-8 record. New Orleans, meanwhile, hope to continue progressing under Kellen Moore after ending their previous campaign at 6-11.

Between the Lions’ explosive offense, Tyler Shough’s development, Travis Etienne’s arrival, and a fascinating battle between Aidan Hutchinson and the Saints’ offensive line, this game should provide an early indication of both teams’ ambitions.

Saints vs. Lions: Date, kick-off time and venue

• Game: Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints
• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Kick-off time: 6pm BST
• Venue: Ford Field, Detroit
• How to watch: Live on DAZN with NFL Game Pass

The Saints will begin a season on the road for the first time since 2022. For Detroit, the game will mark the start of Dan Campbell’s sixth campaign as head coach.

What is at stake in Saints vs. Lions?

This season opener brings together two teams entering 2026 with similar objectives.

The Lions want to prove that missing the playoffs in 2025 was merely a setback. Their core remains loaded with talent, including Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson.

The Saints are looking to prove that they can become competitive in the NFC South again. Much of their progress will depend on the development of Tyler Shough, who enters the season as the undisputed starter following an encouraging rookie campaign.

Shough went 5-4 as a starter in 2025 and finished as a finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Detroit looks to reignite their offense with Jared Goff

Jared Goff begins his 11th NFL season with one of the league’s most complete groups of offensive players around him.

The quarterback must nevertheless adapt to a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing. The transition appeared encouraging during training camp, but Week 1 will provide the first meaningful test of the new system.

Detroit’s priority should remain getting the ball into the hands of Jahmyr Gibbs. Following David Montgomery’s departure, the running back is expected to take on an even greater role.

Gibbs is coming off a season in which he rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 77 passes for 616 yards and five scores.

With 49 touchdowns across his first four seasons, he represents the biggest threat to the New Orleans defense.

In the passing game, Goff will be able to rely on:

• Amon-Ra St. Brown, his leading target on short and intermediate routes
• Jameson Williams, whose speed can stretch a defense vertically
• Sam LaPorta, one of the NFL’s most dangerous tight ends
• Isaac TeSlaa, who could earn a larger role in 2026

The biggest concern surrounds the offensive line. Detroit have one of the league’s youngest units, although it remains anchored by the outstanding Penei Sewell.

Can Tyler Shough and Travis Etienne surprise Detroit?

Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Tyler Shough enters his second season as the clear leader of the Saints’ offense. Unlike during his rookie campaign, he has had a full offseason to work with Kellen Moore and his receivers.

The quarterback will be able to rely on Chris Olave, who delivered an excellent 2025 season with:

• 100 receptions;
• 1,163 receiving yards;
• Nine touchdowns.

Olave should receive a significant volume of targets, particularly with Jordyn Tyson expected to be unavailable. The receiver selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is dealing with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the beginning of the season.

The major new addition to the New Orleans offense is Travis Etienne Jr. The running back joined the Saints after spending five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Etienne recorded the following numbers in 2025:

• 1,107 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns;
• 36 receptions for 292 yards;
• Six receiving touchdowns.

His versatility will allow Kellen Moore to use him as a runner, receiver and safety valve for Shough. Etienne could be particularly important on third downs and when Detroit’s pass rush applies pressure.

New Orleans must provide better protection for its quarterback. The Saints allowed 49 sacks in 2025, the seventh-highest total in the NFL.

The key matchup: Aidan Hutchinson vs. Kelvin Banks Jr.

The battle between Aidan Hutchinson and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could play a decisive role in the outcome.

Hutchinson is coming off an All-Pro season in which he recorded:

• 14.5 sacks;
• 35 quarterback hits;
• 100 pressures;
• Four forced fumbles.

He now has 43 sacks, a Lions franchise record for a four-year span.

Banks, meanwhile, represents one of the biggest reasons for optimism in New Orleans. The Saints’ 2025 first-round pick started all 17 games during his rookie season and allowed only four sacks.

The Saints will probably need to provide additional protection, use their tight ends and get the ball out quickly. If Hutchinson can disrupt Shough without Detroit having to send extra blitzers, the Lions will be able to commit more defenders to coverage.

Can the Saints’ defense slow down Jahmyr Gibbs?

Mike Mulholland / Stringer

New Orleans’ defensive plan must begin with limiting Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Saints will need to remain disciplined against outside runs, communicate effectively on changes of direction, and avoid missed tackles. Gibbs has the speed to turn even the smallest mistake into a touchdown.

New Orleans can at least rely on an experienced defensive front. Chase Young is coming off a 10-sack season.

Jordan will play his final season with the Saints and will be determined to end his career on a positive note.

With Carl Granderson, Kaden Elliss and Pete Werner also involved, the Saints have enough talent to cause problems for Detroit’s young offensive line.

Can Chris Olave exploit Detroit’s defensive absences?

The Lions will begin the season without two important members of their secondary. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch have been placed on the PUP list and cannot return before Week 5.

Their absence could create opportunities for Chris Olave, particularly on intermediate passes and explosive plays.

Detroit are expected to start D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin at outside cornerback. Communication between the defensive backs will be one of the key areas to monitor against the motion and offensive concepts used by Kellen Moore.

If Shough receives enough time in the pocket, Olave could become the biggest source of uncertainty for the Lions.

What are the Saints vs. Lions odds with DAZN Bet?

The odds make the Detroit Lions clear favourites for this Week 1 matchup.

• Detroit Lions to win: 1.24
• New Orleans Saints to win: 3.10
• Detroit Lions -7: 1.72
• New Orleans Saints +7: 1.68
• Over 50 points: 1.72
• Under 50 points: 1.68

The main spread sits at seven points in Detroit’s favour. A total of around 50 points also suggests that a relatively high-scoring contest is expected.

The team totals reinforce that projection:

• Detroit Lions: 28.5 points;
• New Orleans Saints: 20.5 points.

The market is therefore projecting a score close to 29-21 in favour of the Lions.

Key quarterback props

• Jared Goff: 266.5 passing yards;
• Tyler Shough: 240.5 passing yards;
• Tyler Shough: 16.5 rushing yards.

Goff’s higher passing line reflects the quality of Detroit’s receiving options, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta.

Key running back props

• Jahmyr Gibbs: 79.5 rushing yards;
• Jahmyr Gibbs: 115.5 combined rushing and receiving yards;
• Travis Etienne: 57.5 rushing yards;
• Travis Etienne: 82.5 combined rushing and receiving yards.

Gibbs has the highest combined-yardage line in the game, underlining his central role in Detroit’s offense. Etienne should also receive plenty of touches as the Saints look to support Tyler Shough and slow down Detroit’s pass rush.

Key receiving props

• Chris Olave: 77.5 receiving yards;
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: 74.5 receiving yards;
• Jameson Williams: 57.5 receiving yards;
• Sam LaPorta: 41.5 receiving yards;
• Juwan Johnson: 40.5 receiving yards.

Olave has the highest receiving line, suggesting that the market expects the Saints’ number one receiver to see a significant number of targets.

Who are the favourites to score a touchdown?

• Jahmyr Gibbs to score: 1.24
• Travis Etienne to score: 1.75
• Amon-Ra St. Brown to score: 1.78
• Chris Olave to score: 2.33
• Jahmyr Gibbs to score the first touchdown: 3.01

Gibbs is considered the most likely player to find the end zone. His odds to score at least two touchdowns are 2.42.

Odds recorded on September 7, 2026 and subject to change before kickoff.

Players to watch in Saints vs. Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs — Detroit Lions

Gibbs should receive touches both on the ground and in the passing game. His explosiveness can quickly force the Saints to adjust their defensive approach.

Tyler Shough — New Orleans Saints

After a promising first season, Shough must now prove that he can lead the Saints over a full campaign. His ability to handle pressure will be crucial in Detroit.

Travis Etienne — New Orleans Saints

The new arrival brings speed and versatility to the Saints’ backfield. His involvement in the passing game could help New Orleans neutralise the pressure generated by Aidan Hutchinson.

Aidan Hutchinson — Detroit Lions

Hutchinson is the biggest defensive threat in the game. His ability to win quickly at the line of scrimmage could prevent New Orleans from establishing its offense.

Chris Olave — New Orleans Saints

With Jordyn Tyson expected to be unavailable, Olave will be Shough’s primary target. He could take advantage of a Detroit secondary missing two important starters.

Amon-Ra St. Brown — Detroit Lions

The connection between St. Brown and Goff remains one of the most reliable in the NFL. The receiver is particularly difficult to contain on third downs and in the red zone.

Key factors in Saints vs. Lions

• Protecting Tyler Shough: New Orleans must prevent Aidan Hutchinson from taking control of the game.
• Travis Etienne’s involvement: The running back can help the Saints balance their offense and provide Shough with a quick outlet.
• Containing Jahmyr Gibbs: The Saints cannot allow the running back to produce repeated explosive plays.
• Chris Olave against Detroit’s secondary: The Lions must compensate for the absence of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
• Turnovers: One interception or fumble could immediately change the course of the season opener.
• The opening stages: The Saints must withstand the atmosphere at Ford Field and prevent Detroit from establishing an early lead.

Saints vs. Lions head-to-head record

The teams have a perfectly balanced all-time record, with 13 wins each and one tie.

Detroit hold the advantage in home meetings, winning seven compared with four for New Orleans.

This will be the third time the Saints and Lions have met in a season opener. Detroit won 14-10 in 2000 before New Orleans recorded a 45-27 victory in 2009.

The Saints’ most recent visit to Detroit came in October 2020, when New Orleans secured an entertaining 35-29 victory.

The game will also carry added significance for Dan Campbell. The Lions head coach spent five seasons with the Saints between 2016 and 2020 as assistant head coach and tight ends coach.

Our Saints vs. Lions prediction

Getty Images

The Saints have intriguing options in Tyler Shough, Chris Olave and Travis Etienne, as well as an experienced defensive front. Detroit’s absences in the secondary could also help New Orleans remain competitive.

The Lions nevertheless appear stronger across the roster. Their offensive depth, home-field advantage at Ford Field and the presence of Aidan Hutchinson should make the difference.

The odds place Detroit around seven points ahead of New Orleans, with an expected total close to 50. That projection points towards a controlled Lions victory, although the Saints could keep the game close during the first half.

Prediction: Detroit Lions 30-21 New Orleans Saints.

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