Saints vs. Lions Week 1 Preview: Can New Orleans Pull Off the Upset in Detroit?

It’s a chilly September Sunday in Detroit, and the Lions are already humming with confidence. Vegas has them listed as 6.5‑point favorites, and a quick glance at the injury report makes that look pretty reasonable. The Saints, meanwhile, are showing up as underdogs and—honestly—missing a few pieces they’d like to have on the field.

First off, the odds. A 6.5‑point spread isn’t a massive gulf, but it does tell you the bookmakers think Detroit’s high‑octane offense will have the edge. The Lions have the money line in their pocket, while New Orleans is quietly hoping a few bold moves can swing the momentum.

What’s the biggest story on the Saints side? Quarterback Tyler Shough, a sophomore still finding his groove, will be under a microscope. He’s got a decent arm and some mobility, but the defense will try to test his poise early. Supporting him are speedsters Bryce Lance and Barion Brown, fresh out of the draft, who could add a burst of explosiveness to the offense.

On the opposite side of the ball, Detroit’s backfield is anchored by Travis Etienne, whose dual‑threat capabilities make him a nightmare for any secondary. Pair that with a healthy Amon‑Ra St. Brown, and the Lions have a receiving duo that can stretch the field at will.

Injuries are the wild card. The Saints are reportedly missing a couple of key linemen, which could put extra pressure on Shough and limit the run game’s effectiveness. The Lions, on the other hand, are entering the season with a clean bill of health, meaning they can roll out their full‑strength attack without a hitch.

So, what does all this mean for the outcome? If the Lions can establish the run early and get St. Brown moving, they’ll likely control the clock and keep the Saints off balance. But don’t count New Orleans out just yet—if Shough can manage the game and the rookie receivers catch a few big passes, the Saints could keep it within a field goal.

Our pick? Lean toward the Lions covering the spread, but expect a competitive fight. Expect a final score somewhere around 24‑17 in Detroit’s favor. It won’t be a blowout, but the home‑field advantage and the health edge should be enough to tip the scales.