The Detroit Lions open their 2026 season at Ford Field, hosting the New Orleans Saints.
The Lions and Saints had two very different 2025 seasons, but are expected to have improved results this year. The Lions regressed to a 9-8 record last season after two consecutive division championships, while the Saints, as expected, won only six games.
The Saints aren't expected to be world beaters, but in a tumultuous NFC South, they're expected to look competitive this season. Lions fans are hoping their team can at least return to their 2023-24 form.
Despite the differences between these two teams, looking at only three key stats should help give some context to what this game will look like:
1. 2025 Saints ranked 8th in yards per carry allowed
The Saints, despite giving up the 14th-most rushing yards in 2025,
played a lot of superior teams early in their season that piled on the yards after taking early leads. Their total yardage masks the fact that they ranked 8th in the league in yards per carry allowed (4.0).
Their defense was respectable against the run, and they are going up against a Lions offense that ranked 9th in yards per carry (4.6), but was carried by explosive, game-breaking runs by Jahmyr Gibbs down the stretch of their season.
2. Lions have 1 repeat starter at offensive line positions
The Lions are entering the 2026 season with a new-look offensive line after last season's unit often spelled disaster for both the passing and running game. Second-year right guard Tate Ratledge is the only player slated to play at the same position he played last season.
All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is still the pillar of this unit, but he's been moved to left tackle. Rookie Blake Miller will get the start at right tackle.
Christian Mahogany will get the start in Week 1 at left guard after 11 starts last season, which saw him moved around as the team dealt with injuries across the board. Juice Scruggs will get the nod at center for the injured Cade Mays.
3. Saints gave up 8th-most sacks in 2025
The Lions' defense is a significant question mark heading into 2026, but the Saints should act as a solid gauge of what they're capable of without their starting safeties and with a patchwork group of cornerbacks.
The Saints ranked as one of the league's worst passing offenses in 2025, and gave up the 8th-most sacks per game (2.88). They've added some weapons on offense to help out quarterback Tyler Shough, but he'll be facing the bread and butter of this year's Lions defense.
The defensive line is healthier and deeper than it has been in recent memory. The Saints must be improved up front if they're going to put together any kind of passing attack against the Lions' front seven.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 3 key stats for Detroit Lions' season opener vs. Saints
