The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions meet to help commence Week 1 NFL action Sunday. Kickoff from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, is set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Saints vs. Lions odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
The Saints are coming off a disappointing 6-11 campaign. Ever since QB Drew Brees retired, things have been on a downward trend in New Orleans as the Saints have missed the playoffs in 5 straight seasons and have finished last in the NFC South 2 years in a row. New Orleans did make a few major additions this offseason, adding RB Travis Etienne Jr. and G David Edwards. The Saints will be relying on 2025 second-round pick QB Tyler Shough to run the offense.
The Lions
didn't have the cap space to do anything crazy in free agency, but they are returning one of the best rosters in the NFC. Detroit picked up Clemson T Blake Miller with their first-round pick and will look to build on a 9-8 2025 season. 2025 was a letdown year for the Lions, who went 15-2 in 2024. Still led by QB Jared Goff and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, one of the most electrifying backs in the NFL, the expectations are sky-high for Detroit in 2026.
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Saints at Lions odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:20 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Saints +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Lions -325 (bet $325 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Saints +7 (-108) | Lions -7 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -118 | U: -110)
Saints at Lions key injuries
Saints
- EDGE Cameron Jordan (hamstring) out
- RB Alvin Kamara (knee) questionable
Lions
- S Christian Izien (groin) questionable
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Saints at Lions picks and predictions
Prediction
Lions 34, Saints 17
Moneyline
PASS.
Avoid this play. The Lions (-325) should win with ease, but they are far too pricey to take here.
Against the spread
BET LIONS -7 (-110).
While Shough could be the real deal, he just didn't produce enough offensively a season ago to expect the Saints to keep pace with Detroit. Shough accounted for 13 touchdowns in 11 games last season, starting 9 of those. The absence of Jordan is going to really hurt their defense, especially against the firepower that Detroit has.
The Lions scored 86 points in their first 2 home games last season, winning each of those contests by at least 24 points. Detroit's weakness, its cornerbacks, will be aided by an elite safety duo in S Chuck Clark and S Avonte Maddox. The Lions complement each other well and should be able to start the season off hot, especially against a Saints team that might struggle to find their identity early.
Take LIONS -7 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 49.5 (-118).
Points should come in bunches in this one. The Lions were 10-7 O/U a season ago and scored at least 24 points in every home game. They were 6-2 O/U at home and gave up at least 27 points in 5 of those contests. While Shough struggled to find the end zone last season, he was efficient as a passer and will have a better offensive line and more explosive playmakers. With the Lions not really upgrading a lacking defense this offseason, expect the Saints to hang with them, at least to start. Take OVER 49.5 (-110).
Best prop bet
BET JAHMYR GIBBS OVER 84.5 (-115) RUSHING YARDS.
ESPN ranked the Saints' interior defensive line as the 27th best in the NFL. That should open up the pathways for Gibbs, and the Lions will undoubtedly look to feed him early and often.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions odds, picks and predictions
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