The regular season is finally upon us, and the New Orleans Saints are set to open their 2026 campaign on the road against the Detroit Lions. Here’s a preview of what either result could mean for the black and gold on Sunday.
If the Saints win:
Should the Saints go into Detroit on Sunday afternoon and win the game, it would likely be in contention as one of the biggest surprises of the week across the NFL.
It would amplify the hype that’s been building all offseason since the Saints finished last year on such a strong
note, and make for a real statement of intent for the campaign ahead. With a trip to Baltimore on the horizon next week, a victory would do wonders for New Orleans with such a tough pair of games to open the season.
Such an outcome would require the team to make big plays on both sides of the ball, forcing turnovers while limiting their own. It’s the sort of win that instantly raises the expectations of outside observers and would set the tone in emphatic fashion.
If the Saints lose:
A loss in Detroit shouldn’t cause any panic or despondency. Of course, the manner in which the defeat arrives can have a huge bearing on the conclusions one might draw; the Saints shouldn’t get blown out here.
But a defeat on the road against a team with aspirations of a deep playoff run is indeed the likelier outcome. Regardless, Kellen Moore will want to see signs that his team is trending in the right direction, and that can be the case even in defeat.
Can the Saints pull off the upset to start the season 1-0? How high are your expectations for the year? Let us know in the comments!
