How to Watch New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions: NFL Week 1 2026

Watch Info

• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM CT)
• TV Channel: FOX
• Streaming: NFL+ (in-market), NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (out-of-market)
• Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game Preview

The Saints open Kellen Moore's second season as head coach with about as difficult a Week 1 test as the schedule could offer: a road trip to Ford Field against a Lions team that's still considered one of the NFC's most physical, complete rosters despite missing the playoffs last year. It's New Orleans' first game in Detroit since 2020, when the Saints came away with a 35-29 win, and the two teams are essentially tied in the all-time series at 14-13-1 in New Orleans' favor.

Detroit enters as one of the favorites to reclaim the NFC North after a 9-8 finish last season snapped a two-year playoff streak, while New Orleans arrives with genuine optimism after a turbulent 2025 that ended on a high note. Oddsmakers actually have the Saints second in the NFC South this year, behind only Tampa Bay — a sign of how much confidence has grown around this roster since last season's rocky start.

New Orleans Saints News & Storylines

New Orleans went just 6-11 in 2025, starting 1-7 with Spencer Rattler under center before turning the offense over to rookie Tyler Shough. Shough responded by going 5-4 in his starts, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions — good enough for a runner-up finish in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. That late-season surge is fueling real optimism heading into 2026.

The front office moved aggressively to support Shough this offseason, most notably adding running back Travis Etienne Jr., who's expected to start ahead of Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Wide receiver Chris Olave, tight end Juwan Johnson, and receiver Devaughn Vele all return to a receiving corps that should look considerably improved after finishing 28th in scoring last season, averaging just 18 points per game.

Detroit Lions News & Storylines

Detroit is looking to bounce back after a 9-8 season that ended a run of consecutive playoff appearances, a disappointing follow-up to a 15-2 campaign the year before. Head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff lead a roster still built around explosive playmakers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams, with Aidan Hutchinson anchoring the defense off the edge and Terrion Arnold patrolling the secondary.

The offensive line looks different this season: All-Pro Penei Sewell is shifting from right tackle to protect Goff's blindside at left tackle following the departure of longtime starter Taylor Decker. Despite last year's step back, ESPN still lists Detroit as the favorite to win the NFC North in 2026.

Key Matchup to Watch

Tyler Shough's composure against Aidan Hutchinson and Detroit's pass rush will likely define this game. If Hutchinson gets home early and often, it could force Shough into the same kind of behind-the-chains, mistake-prone football that sank New Orleans in its last meeting with Detroit. Keeping the pocket clean and letting the newly upgraded skill-position group get involved early will be critical for a Saints upset bid.

What to Expect

Ford Field has become one of the toughest environments in the league, and Detroit's talent level gives it every reason to be favored at home. Still, with real optimism surrounding Shough and a retooled Saints offense, this has the makings of a competitive, potentially high-scoring measuring-stick game for a New Orleans team eager to prove last season's finish wasn't a fluke.