New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough will look to build on his strong finish to last season with a Week 1 road matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The Lions should be tough customers in 2026. Behind new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit boasts a formidable cast of playmakers in Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta — all behind veteran quarterback Jared Goff. Protecting Goff will be paramount, though, as Detroit lagged in that area last season while the Saints sit across the ball with Chase Young and Cameron Jordan.
Shough's ability to lift the New Orleans offense to another level could be the determining factor in whether they knock off the Lions, and whether they contend for an NFC South title in 2026.
Saints at Lions live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread: Lions -7
- Moneyline: Lions -310; Saints +275
- Over/Under: 50.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Saints at Lions picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Lions -7
I'm all-in on a Lions bounce-back season that will see Detroit recapture the NFC North crown. That starts now, as does Jahmyr Gibbs' chase for the league's Offensive Player of the Year award. The Saints are an interesting story in a bad division, but this should be a decisive victory for the home team.
Tom Viera: Saints +7
Another entertaining game and this one features one of the most underrated teams entering 2026. Detroit will be without safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, and the Saints will do just enough to keep this within a touchdown as Tyler Shough continues to build off his strong finish in 2025. Goff will find a way to ice the clock late to secure the win but not cover.
Richard Morin: Lions -7
I can see why the Saints are an attractive play given injuries on the Detroit defense, but I'm not convinced enough to bet against the Lions at home.
Where to watch Saints at Lions
- Matchup: Lions vs. Saints
- Date: Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Venue: Ford Field
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- TV: Fox
NFL Week 1 picks, predictions, odds
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- Rams vs 49ers
- Lions vs Saints
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- Titans vs Jets
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- Steelers vs Falcons
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lions vs Saints predictions, picks, odds for NFL Week 1 game
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