The Detroit Lions open their 2026 regular season hosting the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field for Week 1. Expectations are high for both teams, but while the Saints are expected to possibly win the division, the Lions are a Super Bowl contender. With the Saints having questions still on offense, it could be a positive day for the Lions defense.
Here are three wagers to keep an eye on that I like in this matchup. The odds are with FanDuel Sportsbook.
1. Etienne under 56.5 rushing yards (-113)
Last season was difficult for the Saints when it
came to running the football. Starting running back Alvin Kamara had a career low in yards and touchdowns, and the Saints as a whole finished with 1,603 rushing yards. With Kamara dealing with an MCL injury, he isn’t an option to bet on even if he does play. That moves the attention to newly signed running back Travis Etienne.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars, Etienne started 16 games and ran for over 57 yards in nine of those games. Last year, the Saints had four players combine for seven games with over 57 yards.
Detroit allowed an average of 114.5 rushing yards per game last season, but that was with a defensive line that lacked depth and talent to stop it. This year, defensive tackle Alim McNeill is fully healthy and has recovered from his torn ACL, and Detroit signed defensive end DJ Wonnum and drafted edge Derrick Moore. The Lions defense was known for stopping the run in years past, and 2025 was a mirage of what they wanted to be. I expect them to get back on track this season.
Bet potential winnings: $10 -> $18.85
2. Alt Passing Yards: Goff 250 passing yards (-158)
Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for over 250 yards in 11 games last season, but the matchup is a little tough. The Saints allowed an average of 179.2 passing yards in 2025, and their defense was a big reason their record wasn’t worse. The Saints lost a few key players in free agency or due to injury, but most of those losses have been in the front seven.
The Lions offense gets a big weapon back in tight end Sam LaPorta, and I think that’s what pushes Goff over this number. There have been hints of Detroit also using running back Jahmyr Gibbs more in the passing game lined up as a receiver, but we haven’t seen much of it yet. I think the Lions’ offensive talent is too strong and has too many weapons for the Saints to limit the passing game.
Bet potential winnings: $10 -> $16.33
3. LaPorta anytime touchdown (+ 160)
Speaking of LaPorta, I think he finds the end zone to start the season. During the offseason, some of the focus was on the improved Lions offensive line and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa moving up to WR3, while the return of LaPorta was slightly overlooked.
The Saints will focus heavily on stopping the run and Gibbs, so the passing game might get more opportunities as the focus shifts to the run. When it comes to throwing the ball, there are so many mouths to feed on the offense for Detroit; it’s hard to contain them all. I see the touchdown grab coming when the team is in the red zone and needs a big body to snag a ball.
Bet potential winnings: $10 -> $26
If you want to turn these three single bets into a same-game parlay, the odds are +562 and $10 -> $66.25
Brandon’s Bold Bet
If you want to go bold and build a big parlay that could pay well, you’ve got to put a few pieces together. First, the three picks I have above, plus four additional legs:
- Lions -6.5 (-122)
- Jameson Williams 40+ receiving yards (-290)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown 60+ receiving yards (-260)
- Jahmyr Gibbs 70+ rushing yards (-240)
The Lions open the season at home against the Saints, who are down multiple starters on the defensive line due to injuries, and the lack of depth at wide receiver leaves me thinking Detroit can easily win by a full seven points. While it is a bit bold to expect Detroit to pass the ball effectively against the Saints, I think LaPorta’s return gives the receivers some breathing room. Early in the game, the Saints will forget about LaPorta, and once they focus on him more, that will help Williams and St. Brown get better opportunities.
Finally, Detroit’s running game will find some success with the Saints’ defensive line down two starters. While I expect the Saints to focus on stopping the run, the passing game’s explosion will force them to adjust their approach, giving Gibbs chances to face lighter boxes and get explosive runs.
Odds: +2069
Bet Winnings: $10 -> $216.97
Use this information however you like. You can ignore it and watch the game, or, if you want to risk some money, follow these recommendations or test your own luck. No matter what you choose, please gamble responsibly and only bet money you can afford to lose.
