In this week’s CSC poll question we asked our readers which non-divisional game do they think is the New Orleans Saints most important this year?
47.4% of voters said it was the opening game against the Detroit Lions.
The mantra of the most important game on your schedule being the next one proved true in this week’s poll, as most of you believed winning in the Motor City and getting off to a 1-0 start is the most important game the Saints
can win outside of the NFC South this season. Despite missing the playoffs in 2025 the Detroit Lions have been one of the better teams in the NFL over the last few years, and winning in their house would be a great way to start the season, especially for a young team in search of confidence.
The Lions will be looking to get off to a fast start to dispel any notion that their championship window is closed after last year’s disappointing result. This game will be one of the more difficult ones on the schedule for the Saints, as despite missing the playoffs in 2025 the Lions still finished with a winning record and are arguably the best NFC team on the Saints schedule. Beating them will be a challenge but all the more rewarding if the Saints are able to pull it off.
Lets see what the rest of the CSC staff had to say about this week”s poll:
Tina Howell
“Lions, need to open season strong. Got to build confidence and make a statement early. They beat the Lions at home and that says a lot.”
Anthony Parker
“Lions, 1-0 means everything to young team and it’s a road game.”
Matt Miguez
“That first game is a huge moment.”
Jason Watson Jr.
“I voted Steelers, personally. Whatever happens versus Detroit will not matter much come the end of the season regardless of how the next 16 games go for either side. I think having a big “primetime” game in the national spotlight against a good AFC team will be a good indicator of where the team is at just before the midway point.”
Caleb Yaccarino
“Giants without a doubt for me. Shough vs. Dart plus both teams are in similar spots.”
Do you agree with the poll results or do you think another non-divisional game is more important than the Week 1 matchup against the Lions and why?
