The Detroit Lions kick off the 2026 season on Sunday afternoon, hosting the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field for Week 1 action.
“It’s a hungry opponent, a new turnover from what I remember when I was there, there’s a few holdovers, but most of this is a new roster,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell regarding the Saints. “A lot of young, hungry players, talented players. You could see their progression as the season went on; last year, toward the end of the year, they started playing pretty good football
minus Atlanta. That last game, that defense played really really good. Just the quarterback, there’s a level of maturity, composure that you see, that looks like that’s here to stay. Kellen Moore’s done a good job. I know a lot of people there still; I know what they’re about. Mickey Loomis, I have a lot of respect for, and the way he goes about his business and what they’ve done. This will be a good opponent, but we got them in our house, and we’ll be ready to go.”
Here’s a look at our Pride of Detroit staff picks for the Lions in Week 1:
- Anthony Balaj(0-0): Lions 28-10 (3 key player matchups)
- Morgan Cannon (0-0): Lions 27-20 (Before the Roar podcast)
- Al Karsten (0-0): Lions 31-17 (Key stats)
- Brandon Knapp (0-0): Lions 24-13 (Scouting report)
- Jerry Mallory (0-0): Lions 31-13
- Ryan Mathews (0-0): Lions 31-17 (5 Qs)
- Jeremy Reisman (0-0): Lions 23-20 (On Paper)
- Alex Reno (0-0): Lions 24-20
- Ty Schalter (0-0): Lions 27-10
- Erik Schlitt (0-0): Lions 24-17 (Scheme breakdown, Honolulu Blueprint)
- Meko Scott (0-0): Lions 28-16 (Before the Roar podcast)
- Zac Snyder(0-0): Lions 30-16
- John Whiticar (0-0): Lions 28-20
For the rest of what the POD staff predicted for the NFL, check out our Week 1 predictions: Moneyline, spread, and over/under.
Now you can use your voice! Share what you think the game score will be in the comment section at the bottom of the page and vote in the poll directly below. Do you think the Lions can start 1-0, or will the Saints come marching in and spoil the season opener?
