Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Week 2 Power Rankings

Athletic (8. Detroit Lions (1-0)
Last week: 9.  Sunday: Beat Saints 31-30 (OT).  What we learned: A throwing motion negates a fumble. The Lions were saved when an apparent Jared Goff fumble was ruled an incompletion thanks to a statute many had never heard of before. The Lions went on to survive a crazy second-half comeback by the Saints that exposed several significant flaws. But, hey, they’re still 1-0 entering a big Thursday night showdown.):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7594357/2026/09/15/nfl-week-2-power-rankings-rams-slide-bears-giants-49ers/

Yahoo (9. Detroit Lions (1-0, LW: 9) - The Lions almost blew a 21-0 lead. They held on when they forced an incompletion on a 2-point conversion in overtime. Detroit's defense had played very well in building that lead, then let the Saints back in the game. Lions head coach Dan Campbell blamed the offense's inefficiency for the lead slipping away. "I'm like, man, we've got to be more efficient on offense," Campbell said. "We kind of spit and sputtered there and then they … had some tempo going."  The Lions face a very tough Week 2 game against the Bills, who will host their first regular-season game in their new stadium Thursday night.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-2-what-do-we-make-of-the-rams-without-myles-garrett-040841481.html

FTW (9. Detroit Lions:  The Lions still have the offensive playmakers to keep pace in track meets. Their secondary might ensure that's how most of their games wind up after letting Tyler Shough go from abomination to angel in the second half and overtime — a switch that allowed a 21-0 lead to disappear into the ether. Detroit still has a long way to go to reach its 2024 heights, but it remains a dangerous opponent on a weekly basis. — CD):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/09/15/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-bears-bills-packers/91767318007/

SI (10. Detroit Lions (1–0) - Last week’s ranking: No. 8.  Last week’s result: beat Saints, 31–30 (OT).  This week: at Bills.  A slightly more conservative Lions offense than we’re used to, with Jared Goff throwing at about half the average depth of target as Tyler Shough, but an efficient one nonetheless. I liked the Drew Petzing wrinkle of lining Penei Sewell back up on the right side and then rushing opposite to keep the Saints on their heels. The Lions’ secondary is going to be their cross to bear in 2026, but can the offense be so good it doesn’t matter?):  https://www.si.com/nfl/conor-orr-week-2-nfl-power-rankings-high-flying-bears-surge

PFN (11. Detroit Lions - Offense Rank: 14.  Defense Rank: 17.  Playoff Odds: 64.80%. It came down to the wire, but the Detroit Lions were able to sneak away with the win in an overtime thriller against the Saints on Sunday. Neither team was particularly great on defense, but the offenses really came to play. In the end, it was the Lions’ high-powered offense that was standing tall after one of the NFL’s most exciting matchups in Week 1.  Jared Goff threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns, with both of those scores going to Amon-Ra St. Brown. The real star of the show, though, was Jahmyr Gibbs. With 156 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, he showed that the Lions will still have one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks, even after trading David Montgomery this offseason.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-2-nfl-power-rankings-2026/

Walter Football (12. Detroit Lions (1-0)Team Hub - Previously: 9.  One of the biggest surprises of Week 1 was Detroit's inability to score on the Saints. Granted, the Lions had a game coming up in four days against the Bills, but still, they should have been able to score more than they did. Ultimately, they won, so it won't matter in the long run unless they don't get their act together offensively.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

ESPN (12. Detroit Lions (1-0) - Week 1 result: Beat the Saints 31-30 (OT).  Preseason ranking: 11.  Non-QB newcomer debut: OC Drew Petzing.  Week 1 certainly wasn't pretty, but Petzing's offense looked like a well-oiled machine as it marched downfield for a 10-play, 70-yard drive in overtime that was capped by a 4-yard touchdown grab from WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Petzing spent his past three seasons in Arizona, and in his Lions debut, he helped RB Jahmyr Gibbs record a career-high 34 touches. Quarterback Jared Goff thought Petzing "adjusted good" and "settled us down when we needed it and got us into the right plays." -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49881711/power-rankings-week-2-all-teams-top-newcomers-debuts

USA Today (12. Detroit Lions (11): If you didn't think missing starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch was a big deal, then you didn't see Saints QB Tyler Shough raid this defense for 410 yards through the air Sunday.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/09/15/nfl-power-rankings-week-1-rams-seahawks-bills-bears-49ers/91758615007/

SN (13. Detroit Lions (15):  The Lions were pushed into an overtime grind with the game Saints, bringing up lingering concerns about their defense outside of Aidan Hutchinson. But the high-priced trio of Jahmyr Gibbs, Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown saved the day, like they often will need to do.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-bills-49ers-steelers-rams-chargers-week-2/c66ef9551cbc48cdb0a11d75

Fox sports (13. Detroit Lions
1-0 - Super Bowl odds: +1800.  Coming within a failed, two-point conversion pass in overtime of losing to the Saints at home isn’t great. Then again, the Saints are better than a lot of people think.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-power-rankings-week-2-which-teams-suffered-worst-opening-losses

NFL.com (13. Detroit Lions 1-0:  The Lions played with a level of sloppiness typical of Week 1 but still managed to build a comfortable lead before watching it evaporate in the second half and scrambling to hang on for an overtime win. It's not an ideal way to start the season, but credit Detroit for bouncing back from a dramatic collapse to record the victory.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-2026-nfl-season

Fansided La Canfora (14. Detroit Lions - Last Rank: 15.  Result: def. Saints, 31-30.  Do I love the way that game played out? Heck no. Is Dan Campbell damn lucky? Yeah. And the defense is not that good and they are going to have to get back to Ben Johnson-level production. But they found a way to win a game they probably would have lost a year ago.):  https://fansided.com/nfl/nfl-power-rankings-entering-week-2-cowboys-fall-flat-seahawks-claim-top-spot

PFT (14. Lions (No. 14; 1-0): The Lions had better hope the Saints are destined to be really good this year.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-2-2026-nfl-power-rankings

CBS (15. Lions:  They beat the Saints, but it was a lot tougher than expected. The secondary is going to be a problem until they get their starting safeties back.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-nfl-week-2-power-rankings/


Lions Average Ranking (168/14):  12
Posted by LionsFan at 2:41 PM 0 comments

Monday, September 14, 2026

Lions Links for Monday 9-14-26

Articles:

Source: Lions' Pacheco to miss 12 weeks after back surgery:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49943755/source-lions-pacheco-significant-back-surgery

KEY QUESTIONS: What does Campbell see from Bills as Lions prepare for TNF in Buffalo?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-dan-campbell-detroit-lions-buffalo-bills-miller-gibbs-bartch






Report: Lions Have Called Steelers About Joey Porter Jr. Trade:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/report-lions-have-called-steelers-about-joey-porter-trade

Everything Jared Goff Said After Detroit Lions Defeated New Orleans Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/everything-jared-goff-said-after-detroit-lions-defeated-new-orleans-saints

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa Among Lowest PFF-Graded Against Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-wr-isaac-teslaa-among-lowest-pff-graded-against-saints

Detroit Lions Season Will Sink If Secondary Stays Same:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-season-will-sink-if-secondary-stays-same

What Detroit Lions Snap Counts Reveal Against New Orleans Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/what-detroit-lions-snap-counts-reveal-against-new-orleans-saints

Everything Dan Campbell Said After Lions Defeated Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/everything-dan-campbell-said-after-lions-defeated-saints



The Lions found a way to win, but the time to clean things up is overdue:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/172977/detroit-lions-opinion-saints-clean-up





The Lions may never get to use one of their biggest offseason additions, and their backup plan is already being tested, Lions might need to see what is out there:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-may-never-get-to-use-one-of-their-biggest-offseason-additions-and-their-backup-plan-is-already-being-tested-lions-might-need-to-see-what-is-out-there/

The Lions’ first injury report for Buffalo looks scary in exactly the wrong place — but Detroit planned for this, updates on Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-first-injury-report-for-buffalo-looks-scary-in-exactly-the-wrong-place-but-detroit-planned-for-this-updates-on-blake-miller-and-christian-mahogany/

One Lions starter may have lost his spot in Week 1 — and he might not get it back:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/one-lions-starter-may-have-lost-his-job-in-week-1-and-he-might-not-get-it-back/

Lions fans shouldn’t be writing Jameson Williams’ obitu—nope, we’re not doing this:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-fans-shouldnt-be-writing-jameson-williams-obitu-nope-were-not-doing-this/

The Lions suddenly have the money, the need, the right roster setup, the right financial setup, It’s time to call Pittsburgh about Joey Porter Jr. Here’s why they actually might:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-suddenly-have-the-money-the-need-the-right-roster-setup-the-right-financial-setup-its-time-to-call-pittsburgh-about-joey-porter-jr-heres-why-they-actually-might/

Monday overreaction: One Lions player has earned a bigger opportunity, and the former high draft pick may need to move aside:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/monday-overreaction-one-lions-player-has-earned-a-bigger-opportunity-and-the-former-high-draft-pick-may-need-to-move-aside/

What the Lions box score didn’t tell: Detroit’s secondary wasn’t nearly as bad as 410 passing yards suggests:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/what-the-lions-box-score-didnt-tell-detroits-secondary-wasnt-nearly-as-bad-as-410-passing-yards-suggests/

Rock Ya-Sin’s Poor Week 1 Showing Raises Stakes for the Lions’ Secondary:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/rock-ya-sins-poor-week-1-showing-raises-stakes-for-the-lions-secondary

Lions Rookie Blake Miller Looked Like a Future Franchise Cornerstone in NFL Debut:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-rookie-blake-miller-looked-like-a-future-franchise-cornerstone-in-nfl-debut

Juice Scruggs’ Debut Gives Lions a Reason Not to Rush Cade Mays Back:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/juice-scruggs-debut-gives-lions-a-reason-not-to-rush-cade-mays-back

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Makes Feelings Clear After Massive Week 1 Workload:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/trending/jahmyr-gibbs-makes-feelings-clear-after-massive-workload-in-lions-week-1-win

Derrick Barnes Had a One-Word Reaction to Saints’ Overtime Two-Point Call:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/derrick-barnes-had-a-one-word-reaction-to-saints-overtime-two-point-call

Jared Goff Downplays Lions’ Nearly Blown 21-0 Lead After Week 1 Win Over Saints:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/jared-goff-downplays-lions-blown-21-0-lead-after-week-1-win-over-saints

Lions’ Biggest Question Heading Into Week 2 Following Win Over Saints:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-biggest-question-heading-into-week-2-following-win-over-saints


Sam LaPorta's return a reminder of how much Lions missed him:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/sam-laporta-detroit-lions

Goff, Lions won't apologize for "ugly win" over Saints:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-jared-goff

Could Lions overwork Jahmyr Gibbs? He says no: "Built for it":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/jahmyr-gibbs-detroit-lions

NFL Week 1: Team of the Week & Player Awards (C: Juice Scruggs, Detroit Lions.  P: Jack Fox, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-1-team-of-the-week-player-awards

NFL Week 1 winners, losers: Deshaun Watson disastrous in Browns offense, Bears light up scoreboard (Loser: Lions defense - Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are on the PUP list and Terrion Arnold is off the roster following his offseason arrest. Those absences from the Detroit Lions' secondary did not seem like much of an issue until the second half of the team's 2026 debut, but then the defense went off the rails. The unit surrendered 30 points in the second half and overtime during a 31-30 escape against the New Orleans Saints.  The first-half shutout the defense pitched is an afterthought. Fortunately for the Lions, the meltdown did not cost them the game. But the bitter taste of Tyler Shough carving up the defense for 410 yards and erasing a 21-0 deficit will linger in Detroit's mouth.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-1-winners-losers-deshaun-watson/

Cover 32: Bengals see early returns from big offseason investment, plus game balls, biggest gaffes from Week 1 (Game Balls - Jahmyr Gibbs.  Week 1 stats: 29 carries, 156 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns; 5 receptions, 30 yards receiving.  Gibbs was the top pick in most fantasy football drafts for a reason. With David Montgomery traded to Houston this offseason, there was a promise for an increased workload, and we saw that in Week 1. Gibbs registered 34 touches in the overtime win over New Orleans and piled up 186 yards from scrimmage. This was Gibbs' 12th career game with two or more rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the second-most since entering the NFL in 2023. He also tallied his 50th career touchdown in this game, making Gibbs just the sixth player in NFL history to have this many scores in his first 50 career games.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-1-storylines-game-balls-biggest-gaffes/

Pair Of NFC North Stars Awarded 'Gronk & Jules' Inaugural Employees Of The Week (Rob Gronkowski's Employee Of The Week - Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs.  Gronkowski then turned to his own pick, one that came from the other side of the division.  Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs authored a milestone of his own in a 31-30 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Gibbs carried 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns, adding five catches for 30 yards. His first score of the day was his 50th career touchdown in his 50th game, and he finished the afternoon with 51, making him just the sixth player in NFL history to reach 50 touchdowns within his first 50 games, joining Jim Brown, Marcus Allen, Chuck Foreman, Larry Johnson and Steve Van Buren.  "And for my employee of the week … Jahmyr Gibbs, I gotta go with him," Gronkowski said. "He absolutely balled out. 156 yards, two TDs rushing. He contributed in the pass game as well. Fastest player to 50 touchdowns in history. He has 51 touchdowns currently because he scored two in this game in 50 games. This guy is a special talent, and just like Caleb Williams, he's electric as well, and he's fun to watch."  With Williams and Gibbs showing out on Sunday, Edelman and Gronkowski couldn't hold their excitement for the Lions-Bears matchups later this season.  "It's going to be a helluva game when the Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears," Gronkowski said.   Williams' Bears and Gibbs' Lions meet twice this season, starting with a Thanksgiving Day clash at Ford Field on Nov. 26 before meeting again at Soldier Field in Week 17 on FOX's "America's Game of the Week."   That matchup carries extra history for both teams given Bears head coach Ben Johnson's roots in Detroit. Johnson spent three seasons (2022-24) as the Lions' offensive coordinator, helping build one of the NFL's most productive offenses before Chicago hired him as head coach in January 2025.  "Another reason why it's going to be a battle? Ben Johnson came from Detroit," Gronkowski said. "This rivalry is getting more special as it goes on."):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/gronk-jules-caleb-williams-jahmyr-gibbs

2026 NFL Defense Rankings: Team Pass and Rush Stats (Total Defense - 27. Lions.  Passing Defense - 30.  Lions.  Rushing Defense - 10 Lions.  Scoring Defense - 21. Lions.  Third Down Defense - 22.  Lions.  Red Zone Defense - 18 Lions 80.0%):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-defense-rankings-team-pass-rush-stats

Monday Morning JB: Bears' statement and more that stood out in NFL Week 1 (Two-minute drill - “Sonic and Knuckles” were broken up as the NFL’s top 1-2 running back tandem when the Lions traded David Montgomery to the Texas. Yet separation may make them even more lethal. Jahmyr Gibbs had 186 yards from scrimmage (156 rushing, 5.4 per carry) with 2 TDs to aid Detroit’s survival vs. New Orleans while Montgomery scored 3 TDs (79 total yards) in his Houston debut.  Worst win - The Lions blew a 21-point lead at home before surviving 31-30 in overtime against the Saints when they broke up a two-point conversion. It represented shades from last season when Detroit squandered opportunities in several losses on the way to finishing last in the NFC North. And had it not been for a controversial instant replay ruling that wiped out an apparent scoop-and-score touchdown for the Saints, it might have been settled before OT. According to the letter of the NFL law, New Orleans wasn’t robbed (again) by the replay ruling as Detroit quarterback Jared Goff had begun his throwing motion when hit by Chase Young, which set up the apparent TD return by Jonas Sanker. To the naked eye, though, it was a modern-day repeat of The Tuck Rule. Are you to believe your lying eyes or the NFL rulebook?  What I’m looking forward to in Week 2 - Lions at Bills. The new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY – across the street from the old Highmark – gets its regular-season christening on Thursday night. Yeah, they’ve come a long way from War Memorial Stadium, a.k.a The Rockpile. Never mind Buffalo winters, this place has real grass. Kudos to Buffalo’s ownership for that. It’s the least they could do, given the significant taxpayer tab for the $2.2 billion palace. As for the game-within-the-game, maybe a shootout looms with Detroit bringing one of the NFL’s most explosive offense and Bills quarterback Josh Allen, fresh off a 300-yard game in Week 1, being, well, Josh Allen. Then there are the new tailgating rules that may take some getting used to – or not – for the raucous Bills Mafia. Regardless, the environment will be lit.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2026/09/14/2026-nfl-week-1-highlights-bears-caleb-williams-packer-matt-lafluer/91753942007/

32 things we learned in NFL Week 1 − just don't ask who the best team is right now (28. Game of the day? How about the Detroit Lions’ 31-30 overtime win over the Saints, who went for the two-point conversion (and win) on the road before their final play came up short. Still, every reason to believe New Orleans is well positioned to contend for the NFC South crown this season after overcoming a 21-point deficit – at least temporarily – in one of the league’s toughest venues and against one of its most explosive teams. As for the Lions?  29. The number of rushes handled by Detroit RB Jahmyr Gibbs, a career high – as were his 34 touches against the Saints. Gibbs’ fantasy owners doubtless love it on a day when he had 186 yards and two TDs from scrimmage as he enters his first season as the clearcut bell cow in Motown. But that could be an awfully tough workload to maintain if the Lions are going to rely that heavily on a player who averaged 17.5 touches – half the load he carried Sunday – while in a timeshare over his first three season as a pro.  30. As a dad who's been introducing his young son to the joys of Spider-Man, props to the Lions' Derrick Barnes. But I need to work on my end-zone celebration apparently.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/09/13/nfl-week-1-takeaways-josh-allen-lamar-jackson-jahmyr-gibbs/91749200007/

$.10 After NFL Week 1 ($.05: It’s not often that I, as a Detroit Lions lifer, get to experience the positive benefit of an officiating controversy. I got that on Sunday in Detroit’s overtime win against the New Orleans Saints.  The play in question involves Jared Goff getting hit while he was starting to throw the ball. The ball flew backward, not forward, and was eventually scooped up and returned for an apparent TD by Saints safety Jonas Sanker. It sure looked like a routine call. But the Lions were saved by a technicality that almost no one knew about, including both Goff and Lions head coach Dan Campbell in their postgame admissions.   The rule in question comes from the NFL rulebook. NFL Rule 8, Section 1, Article 1, Item 1(a): “Forward Movement of Hand,” to be exact:   Once the quarterback begins an intentional forward throwing motion, if a defender’s contact materially affects the throw and causes the ball to travel backward, it is still ruled a forward pass. If it hits the ground, it’s incomplete—not a fumble.  The key is timing:  Contact after forward throwing motion begins → forward pass, regardless of where the ball travels.  Contact before throwing motion begins → the ball’s actual direction controls; if it goes backward, it can be a live fumble/backward pass.  The review concluded, correctly, that Goff had initiated the forward pass throwing motion. It was close, no doubt about it. My reaction echoed most Lions fans: shocked that a ruling actually benefitted our team. And it turned out to be critical, as the Saints mounted an impressive second-half comeback to take what was a 21-0 Lions lead into a 24-24 tie at the end of regulation. The Lions didn’t score on the drive in question, but it took points off the board for the Saints, who were scoreless at the time. Just as the football world learned of the then-obscure 10-second runoff when an official ruling gets overturned in the final two minutes of a game from a Lions game (still the dumbest rule in professional sports!), we now all know that it’s a forward pass even if it goes backward as long as the QB had started to try and throw it forward. Got that? Yeah, me neither…):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3708/$10-After-NFL-Week-1




Lions hoping Jahmyr Gibbs can stay as productive despite losing backfield partner:  https://apnews.com/article/lions-analysis-week-1-gibbs-01a25d99cdf75eb99b82d42dd7f3a963

‘Should Have Kept Ben Johnson Over Dan Campbell,’ ‘One Trick Pony’ — NFL Fans Rip Lions’ ‘Meathead’ HC Despite OT Win vs. Saints: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-fans-rip-dan-campbell-despite-lions-ot-win/

Grades:

Grades: Detroit Lions Escape Disaster in Overtime Thriller:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/grades-detroit-lions-escape-disaster-overtime-saints-win


Bills Media:

Week 2 preview: Buffalo Bills host Detroit Lions in Highmark Stadium opener:  https://www.whec.com/sports-news/week-2-preview-buffalo-bills-host-detroit-lions-in-highmark-stadium-opener/

Video:






Lions vs. Saints Week 1 Recap | NFL Daily:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-vs-saints-week-1-recap-nfl-daily


Jared Goff Calls In To Talk Win Over Saints And Preview Bills Matchup | Karsch and Anderson:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/video/jared-goff-calls-in-to-talk-win-over-saints-and-preview-bills-matchup-karsch-and-anderson-xb7mk1e


Lions Overall Reaction | Is Gibbs Getting Too Much Of The Workload? | Costa and Jansen:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/video/lions-overall-reaction-is-gibbs-getting-too-much-of-the-workload-costa-and-jansen-xb7lu3i


Jared Goff on Lions Season Opening Win:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-gwj5gjg9tayp5dop

Lions win in overtime; Wolverines knock of Oklahoma:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/fmc-1mbtuo41dhk96i3o

Can't feel great about state of Detroit Lions after Week 1:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/cant-feel-great-state-detroit-025017916.html

Jameson Williams made the play when it mattered most:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/jameson-williams-made-play-mattered-000218953.html


Posted by LionsFan at 9:22 PM 0 comments

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Lions Links for Sunday Evening 9-13-26

Articles:


FOUR DOWNS: Gibbs leads the way in Lions' victory over Saints:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/four-downs-gibbs-leads-the-way-lions-saints-goff-hutchinson

RECAP: Lions vs. Saints:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/recap-lions-vs-saints-goff-stbrown-barnes







Key Takeaways From Lions' 31-30 Victory Against New Orleans Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/key-takeaways-from-lions-31-30-victory-against-new-orleans-saints


5 winners, 3 losers from Detroit Lions’ win over the New Orleans Saints:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/172705/5-winners-3-losers-detroit-lions-win-new-orleans-saints




5 Winners and 4 Losers From the Detroit Lions’ Week 1 Win: One star took over, another had a day to forget:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/5-winners-and-3-losers-from-the-detroit-lions-week-1-win-one-star-took-over-another-had-a-day-to-forget/

Detroit Lions Week 1 takeaways: A wild win answered some questions and created a few more:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-week-1-takeaways-a-wild-win-answered-some-questions-and-created-a-few-more/

Here’s who is not playing for the Lions vs the Saints, one very shocking name sitting out and one former second-round pick:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/heres-who-is-not-playing-for-the-lions-vs-the-saints-one-very-shocking-name-sitting-out-and-one-for-second-round-pic/

Gibbs not sweating 29-carry workload after Lions ride RB's big day:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49934534/jahmyr-gibbs-happy-help-lions-not-worried-workload

Big questions off Sunday's NFL Week 1 games: Hot start by Trevor Lawrence? Concern over Zay Flowers? (Detroit 31, New Orleans 30 (OT) - Lions:  Should the Lions be worried about the defense, or this what we should expect from the D? Honestly, it might be somewhere in between as the Saints' offense likely won't be this stellar throughout the season. When Detroit's offense struggled in the first half, the defense held the Saints scoreless and created three turnovers. But then it gave up 24 points in the second half. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson finished with two sacks, while S Chuck Clark and LB Derrick Barnes both snagged interceptions, but the defense was still susceptible to explosive plays. That was the same issue last year. Perhaps the eventual return of safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles) from IR will help.  Stat to know: Jahmyr Gibbs' second TD marked his 51st career score in 50 career games, making him the sixth player in NFL history to reach at least 50 career touchdowns in 50 or fewer games, per ESPN Research. Chuck Foreman (44 games), Steve Van Buren (45), Jim Brown (46), Larry Johnson (48) and Marcus Allen (49) round out the list. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49871987/week-1-sunday-games-takeaways-questions-2026

Lions escape with 31-30 win over Saints in OT after Kellen Moore chooses to go for 2 and the win:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401872923

2026 NFL season, Week 1: What We Learned from Sunday's games (Lions 31 Saints 30 - Kevin Patra's takeaways:  1.  Lions survive epic collapse with OT win. The Lions took a 21-0 lead midway through the third quarter, as Tyler Shough and the Saints offense bungled things. Detroit took its foot off the pedal, allowing New Orleans to control much of the rest of the contest and force overtime. Jahmyr Gibbs motored the Lions down the field, and Amon-Ra St. Brown capped off the opening drive of overtime with a score. The Saints matched the touchdown but fell short on the game-winning two-point attempt, which fell incomplete. It would have been a brutal loss for the Lions after they built a three-score lead. As expected, the offense ran through Gibbs, who took a career-high 29 carries for 156 rushing yards and two TDs. He also added five catches for 30 yards. The Lions leaned on the run, particularly early, and it paid off late as Gibbs gashed through holes, particularly in OT. Expect the Lions to lean on the RB until the passing attack catches up.  2.  Shough overcomes terrible start to give the Saints a shot. Tyler Shough looked like a second-year quarterback who didn’t take any preseason snaps early in the contest. The QB was scattershot, jittery in the pocket, missed reads, and threw some shockingly awful passes. His two second-half turnovers allowed the Lions to take a big lead. On the ensuing drive after a fumble turned the game into a 21-0 deficit, Shough hit Chris Olave on a deep strike after escaping the pocket. The pass settled down the passer. He picked apart the Lions secondary from there on. Shough led the Saints on scoring drives on five of their final six possessions. The early skittishness disappeared, and he made some beautiful up-and-down throws stretching the field. Shough finished with 410 yards on 35-of-56 passing with three touchdowns and two interceptions, took five sacks, and lost a fumble. If not for the wobbly early play from the QB, the Saints would have swiped a big-time road upset to open the season. Kellen Moore’s club will be a tough out in 2026.  3. Lions secondary struggled in second half. It was a given Detroit could have some issues in the defensive backs group, particularly early in the season. The unit played solidly early, but was taken advantage of as the game wore on. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard threw a trove of blitzes, particularly from DBs, at Shough. The pressures sped up the young QB early and led to the issues. When the Lions didn’t have time to get home, with New Orleans throwing quick passes, the secondary was exposed. Five of the six Saints 20-plus-yard completions came in the second half or overtime. Aidan Hutchinson was his usual disruptive self, generating two sacks, four QB hits, two tackles for loss and 10 QB pressures. The Lions also got solid play from linebacker Derrick Barnes, who had a sack and an interception. Detroit got to 1-0 thanks to building its big lead, but against more experienced passers the Lions need to figure out how to protect the secondary to avoid bigger letdowns as the season progresses.  Next Gen Stats Insight for Lions-Saints (via NFL Pro): Jared Goff aligned under center on 47 snaps in Week 1 against the Saints, tied for the most of his Lions career. From shotgun, Goff completed 17 of 22 passes for 134 yards and both of his touchdowns. Lions rushers carried the ball 30 times for 145 yards and two scores with Goff under center.  NFL Research: Jahmyr Gibbs became the fifth player in NFL history with 50-plus touchdowns in their first 50 career games (Week 1 was Gibbs’ 50th career game). With two touchdowns in Week 1, Gibbs’ 51 career touchdowns only trail Chuck Foreman (55), Jim Brown (53), Marcus Allen (52), and Larry Johnson (52) on that list.:  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-season-week-1-what-we-learned-from-sunday-s-games

NFL Week 1: 10 things we learned from the early games (9. Jahmyr Gibbs and Aidan Hutchinson powered Detroit on opposite sides of the ball
Detroit needed almost everything it could get to escape New Orleans with a one-point victory, and two of its biggest stars delivered on opposite sides of the ball.  Jahmyr Gibbs handled 29 designed carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, forcing eight missed tackles along the way.  Aidan Hutchinson was just as disruptive on defense. The Lions edge defender generated nine total pressures and two sacks, adding three additional defensive stops.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-1-takeaways-grades

NFL Week 1 Recap: New Orleans Saints 30, Detroit Lions 31:  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-1-recap-new-orleans-saints-30-detroit-lions-31

NFL Week 1 Winners and Losers: Bears' offense looks every bit as good as Ben Johnson said it would be (Winners -  Detroit Lions, but barely: The Lions won, but they can't be too happy about how they played. Detroit didn't look great, but it held on to beat New Orleans, 31-30, in overtime. The Lions forced an incompletion on a 2-point conversion as the Saints went for the win.  The Lions had only a touchdown in the first half, though the defense was doing its part. An interception and a fumble recovery early in the second half turned a 7-0 game into a 21-0 lead for Detroit. But the Saints rallied as the Lions' defense started to get ripped apart. A touchdown from Tyler Shough to tight end Juwan Johnson in the final two minutes tied a game that the Lions once led by three touchdowns at home.  The Lions scored first in overtime but New Orleans answered with a Noah Fant touchdown. Shough ended up with 410 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Saints went for the 2-point conversion and the win, but the Lions got the stop they needed.  Even though the Lions' defense came up big with the one play it needed to win, it will have to be better going forward. In four days, they face Josh Allen and the Bills.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-week-1-winners-and-losers-bears-offense-looks-every-bit-as-good-as-ben-johnson-said-it-would-be-203550128.html






‘This Is Rigged,’ ‘Utterly Ridiculous’ -- Saints Fans Rip NFL Refs After Controversial Call In Favor of Lions in Week 1:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/saints-lions-refs-controversial-call-blasted-fans/

Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs joins NFL elite in Week 1:  https://www.thebiglead.com/lions-jahmyr-gibbs-joins-nfl-elite-in-week-1/

Grades:

CBS Grades (Detroit 31-30 over New Orleans in OT - Lions Grade:  B.  This might win the award for ugliest win of Week 1. The Lions defense choked away a 21-0 lead, but then rebounded to make a huge stop in overtime on what would have been a game-winning two-point conversion for New Orleans. The defense got gashed for 469 yards, but the unit also forced three turnovers, which led to 14 important points for Detroit. The Lions will be an interesting team to watch this year because every week could turn into a shootout. With Jahmyr Gibbs (156 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and Amon Ra St. Brown (67 receiving yards, two touchdowns), the Lions have the firepower to beat anyone, but they're going to need the defense to play better.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-1-grades-for-all-32-teams-ravens-roll-bills-earn-high-mark/

Saints Media:

Halftime Studs & Duds: Saints vs. Lions, Officiating? Hard Hitting!:  https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/onsi/halftime-studs-duds-saints-vs-lions-officiating-hard-hitting-01m2dvdgdtk2

Video:











Jahmyr Gibbs' best plays from 186-total yard, 2-TD game vs. Saints Week 1:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jahmyr-gibbs-best-plays-from-186-total-yard-2-td-game-vs-saints-week-1


Lions survive Saints' attempt to win in OT:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-survive-saints-attempt-to-win-in-ot

HIGHLIGHT: Goff hits St. Brown for a 4-yard TD in OT:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-hits-st-brown-for-a-4-yard-td-in-ot


HIGHLIGHT: Gibbs' second TD of the day boosts Lions' lead:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-second-td-of-the-day-boosts-lions-lead

Jahmyr Gibbs' TD comes by way of impressive blocking by Lions OL:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-rushes-for-1-yard-td-x6835

Jahmyr Gibbs breaks into Saints' secondary on 21-yard run in Week 1:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jahmyr-gibbs-breaks-into-saints-secondary-on-21-yard-run-in-week-1

Jared Goff dances in the backfield before connecting with Sam LaPorta for 19 yards:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jared-goff-dances-in-the-backfield-before-connecting-with-sam-laporta-for-19-yards

HIGHLIGHT: Hutchinson sacks Shough for a 10-yard loss:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-hutchinson-sacks-shough-for-a-10-yard-loss


HIGHLIGHT: Barnes jumps the route to pick off Shough's pass attempt:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-barnes-jumps-the-route-to-pick-off-shough-s-pass-attempt

Chuck Clark's INT prevents the Saints from marching on:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-clark-intercepts-shough

Are Lions still a threat to compete in NFC? | 'NFL GameDay Preview':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/are-lions-still-a-threat-to-compete-in-nfc-nfl-gameday-preview

The Biggest Winners from a Detroit Lions win over the New Orleans Saints:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/biggest-winners-detroit-lions-win-231657088.html

Instant Reaction to Detroit Lions 31-30 Victory Against Saints:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/instant-reaction-detroit-lions-31-210525096.html

MLive A tale of two halves: Lions barely escape with OT week 1 win:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbFHLvycQNU


Posted by LionsFan at 8:50 PM 0 comments

Pre-Game Lions Links for Sunday 9-13-26

Articles:

INACTIVES: Lions vs. Saints: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-saints-izien-rakestraw-rolder










Roundtable: Detroit Lions Week 1 Preview Against Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/roundtable-detroit-lions-week-1-preview-against-saints

Why Baker Mayfield's contract means the QB market could burst (Jared Goff, Detroit Lions:  Goff got his extension in the offseason of 2024, when quarterbacks such as Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa were getting contracts. Goff's came in at $53 million per year in new money -- just under what is now the Baker line. Goff has been to the Super Bowl with the Rams and got close with the Lions, who have a record of 50-35-1 in games he has started for them. Signed through 2028, he's set to earn $55 million this year, $40 million next year and $47 million in 2028. At this time, $18 million of his 2027 compensation is guaranteed.  Is he over the Baker line? Probably right on it, if not a little bit over. But this is another situation that likely depends on what happens this season. How the Lions feel about Goff and the state of their championship window in general next February will go a long way in determining how motivated they are to extend his contract, which has two years left, no matter how he plays at age 32.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49915176/quarterback-contract-market-baker-mayfield-extensions

Eagles sent scouts to the loaded Ohio State-Texas showdown (Lions also sent scouts.  Philadelphia is among 16 NFL organizations expected to have scouts present when No. 1 Ohio State visits No. 4 Texas on Saturday night at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The Eagles will join the Cowboys, Seahawks, 49ers, Broncos, Colts, Patriots, Panthers, Lions, Chargers, Texans, Ravens, Rams, Dolphins, Jets and Browns in evaluating two rosters loaded with potential NFL talent.):  https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2026/09/12/eagles-scouts-ohio-state-texas-2027-nfl-draft-prospects/91737970007/

Saints Media:





Predictions:

Posted by LionsFan at 12:03 PM 0 comments

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Lions Links for Saturday 9-12-26

Articles:

Rookie Gill-Howard elevating his game & dreaming big:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/rookie-gill-howard-elevating-his-game-dreaming-big




5 Key Storylines I'm Watching Closest in Lions Week 1 Game Against Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/key-storylines-to-watch-close-lions-saints-week-one-2026

Detroit Lions Re-Sign Levi Onwuzurike, Elevate DL Against Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-re-sign-levi-onwuzurike-elevate-dl-against-saints

What Two Recent Contract Extensions Mean For Lions TE Sam LaPorta:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/what-two-recent-contract-extensions-mean-lions-sam-laporta

5 Players Detroit Lions Must Scout in College Football 2026 Week 2:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/players-detroit-lions-must-scout-college-football-2026-week-two

Lions Restructure Contracts to Maneuver Under Salary Cap:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-restructure-two-contracts-to-add-cap-space



Lions Roster Moves: The Lions’ strange Levi Onwuzurike move makes sense now — but their Week 1 decision adds another twist:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-roster-moves-the-lions-strange-levi-onwuzurike-move-makes-sense-now-but-their-week-1-decision-adds-another-twist/

The Lions didn’t need to clear $35 million in cap space. So why did they? Something bigger feels like it’s coming — just not yet, but here’s what to keep an eye on:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-didnt-need-to-clear-35-million-in-cap-space-so-why-did-they-something-bigger-feels-like-its-coming-just-not-yet-but-heres-what-to-keep-an-eye-on/

Detroit Lions Open With a Safety Problem They Can’t Fully Replace:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-open-with-a-safety-problem-they-cant-fully-replace

15 predictions for NFL Week 1: Upset picks, fantasy sleepers, projected stat lines and more (Walder predicts three stat lines - Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Detroit Lions: 2.0 sacks, 7 pressures, 25% pass rush win rate.  I'm already extremely bullish on Hutchinson, who led my seasonlong sack projections. And he's set up extremely well for a lightning-quick start.  The Lions are seven-point favorites over the Saints, which means there's a high likelihood New Orleans will be behind and forced into must-pass situations. Quarterback Tyler Shough took sacks at a high 8.3% rate last season, and Hutchinson should have favorable matchups against left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. or right tackle Taliese Fuaga. Both tackles were well below average in pass block win rate last season.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49872076/week-1-predictions-upsets-fantasy-sleepers-stats-2026

Lions restructure two contracts; open door for LaPorta, Branch deals:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-restructure-two-contracts-salary-cap-flexibility/






Predictions:


Saints Media:

Key Ingredients to Victory: Saints vs. Lions | 2026 NFL Week 1:  https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-vs-lions-2026-nfl-week-1-key-ingredients-to-victory











Consorting w/ the Enemy: Lion On SI talks Goff not Playing Pre-Season, its Effects, and More:  https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/onsi/consorting-w-the-enemy-lion-on-si-talks-goff-not-playing-pre-season-its-effects-and-more-01m266z408yx


Scheme change may dictate Saints’ approach to Lions’ rushing attack:  https://www.louisianasports.net/2026/09/10/detroit-lions/top-stories/

Saints’ defense tasked with figuring out Lions’ revamped offense:  https://www.louisianasports.net/2026/09/10/new-orleans-saints-detroit-lions-matchiup/saints-football/

Video - Exclusive: Kellen Moore previews Saints' Week 1 game vs. Lions:  https://www.neworleanssaints.com/video/lions-saints-preview-kellen-moore-week-1-interview-2026

Video:

Inside the Den 2026 Episode 4: Dog Days of Training Camp:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/inside-the-den-2026-episode-4-dog-days-of-training-camp


Exploring How Effective Lions Defensive Line Will Be Against Saints:  https://sports.yahoo.com/videos/exploring-effective-lions-defensive-line-213101976.html
Posted by LionsFan at 10:05 PM 0 comments

Week 1 Lions Predictions

NFL Week 1 predictions by Microsoft Copilot AI for every game (Detroit Lions 35, New Orleans Saints 20 - AI's take: This is one of the "easiest picks of the week," in Copilot's view. It believes the Lions are "a legitimate Super Bowl contender" and that their offensive and depth advantages over the Saints should give them a strong edge at home.  Our take: It's hard to disagree with Copilot's logic here, as the Lions have a well-built, explosive offense that should serve them well. However, the Saints should be better than most anticipate after going 5-4 down the stretch of the 2025 season with Tyler Shough starting. With that in mind, New Orleans should keep this game closer than Copilot is projecting, even if Detroit remains likely to come out on top.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/09/06/nfl-week-1-ai-picks-predictions-2026/91594590007/

Arizona Republic Cluff (New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions, 10 a.m., FOX (stream with FUBO) - This Lions team is kind of flying under the radar in preseason Super Bowl odds, but Jared Goff and company still have firepower on offense, as the Saints will find out.  Prediction: Lions 33, Saints 20):  https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/09/03/nfl-week-1-picks-predictions-projections-game-scores/90786340007/

SN Iyer (Saints at Lions (-7, 49.5 o/u) - Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox.  The Saints' offense will come in confident to start Kellen Moore's second season with Tyler Shough building on his rookie finishing momentum. Travis Etienne sparking the running game and being an outlet receiver will help plenty. The Lions' defense is a work in progress again around Aidan Hutchinson and Jared Goff is adjusting to a new offense. Detroit finds enough pop with Jahmyr Gibbs to win a dome team battle.  Pick: Lions win 24-20 but fail to cover the spread.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-against-spread-week-1/79858f64007e8ab7ad1b1a01

SN Bender (New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (-6.5) Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox  - The Saints are a trendy pick to win the NFC South. It's a tough out on the road, and the Lions were 1-3 ATS when favored between seven to 10 points last season. Second-year coach Kellen Moore will have a game plan that keeps it close in the first half, but the Lions will squeak out a late cover on a TD run by Jahmyr Gibbs – who averaged 6.3 yards per carry with 9 TDs at half last season.   Pick: Lions 31, Saints 21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-1/6da43321d693306b024c53d1


Pro Picks: Seahawks will edge Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch to kick off the NFL season (NEW ORLEANS at DETROIT - Line: Lions minus 6 1/2.  Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Lions have too much offense for the Saints, who had a promising finish last season but lost a few key players in training camp.  LIONS: 30-20):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-week-1-picks-seahawks-patriots-8c5ba50ee1cd61132efcce79e060031f

CBS Sullivan (Saints at Lions - Projected score: Lions 33, Saints 21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-1-odds-picks-best-bets-sullivan/

CBS Prisco (New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (-7) - Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free).  The Saints and second-year quarterback Tyler Shough will be an improved team this season, but this is a tough way to open. The Lions have a dynamic offense and the venue will make it a challenge. Look for Jared Goff and the Detroit offense to have a big day. The Saints won't keep up. Lions big.  Pick: Lions 33, Saints 21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-week-1-nfl-picks/

PFT’s Florio Week 1 2026 NFL picks (Saints at Lions - Lions coach Dan Campbell believes the team’s Super Bowl window is still open. They have the talent to justify his faith. Now, they just have to prove it. A strong Week 1 start against a sneaky-good Saints team will help set the tone.  Much of it hinges on new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. With running back Jahmyr Gibbs now the centerpiece of the offense, it becomes much easier for any offensive coach to look like Bill Walsh.  Lions 34, Saints 24.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-1-2026-nfl-picks


NFL RealGM (New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (-7): Last year, the Lions laid a giant egg in Week 1 in Green Bay. They were unprepared and dropped a game that ultimately cost them a playoff berth. Head coach Dan Campbell has brought that up several times this offseason. In other words, don’t expect a repeat--certainly not against a Saints team that will be without first-rounder Jordyn Tyson and top DL Bryan Bresee on relatively short notice. Lions 33, Saints 21):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3707/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-1

NFL Week 1 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup breakdowns for every game (All 5 pick the Lions to win by scores of 30-16, 32-22, 42-24, 31-19, 34-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-picks-week-1-2026-nfl-season

NFL Week 1 picks & predictions: Broncos spoil Patrick Mahomes’ return (New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (1 p.m., Fox) - This matchup has the potential to be one of the most exciting in Week 1 with two high-powered offenses. The Saints are hoping for more excellent production out of Tyler Shough despite rookie WR Jordyn Tyson’s absence.  Meanwhile, the Lions boast an elite offense with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Expect both teams to score lots of points this season. Pick: Lions 34, Saints 24):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-week-1-picks-predictions-broncos-crush-chiefs-mnf/

Our guide to every remaining Week 1 NFL game: Matchup previews, predictions and what to watch (Maldonado's pick: Lions 31, Saints 17.  Moody's pick: Lions 33, Saints 20.  Walder's pick: Lions 27, Saints 13):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49805531/week-1-picks-predictions-schedule-fantasy-odds-2026

Lions-Saints Week 1 score predictions from MLive’s beat writers (All 3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 27-20, 27-17, 31-17):  https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-saints-week-1-score-121402493.html

NOLA Saints at Lions: Our staff makes its predictions for Sunday’s season opener in Detroit (All 5 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-26, 30-24, 27-17, 27-24, 26-20):  https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-at-lions-our-staff-makes-its-predictions-for-sunday-s-season-opener-in-detroit/article_920b5754-edea-45f5-904f-4933d0375bf3.amp.html

A to Z Sports Lions vs. Saints Prediction Lab: Where Detroit can win, what can get them beat, and the one thing that decides Week 1 (The prediction - Lions 31, Saints 20. This offense is going to get done what it wants to get done. The Saints are still going to score, but I don’t believe they’re putting up a whole lot of touchdowns. My big predictions: Hutchinson has at least 2 sacks, Amon-Ra St. Brown gets over 100 yards and a touchdown, and Gibbs goes over 100 yards with a trip to the end zone as well. We’ll see you guys next week in the Prediction Lab when the Lions take on the Bills.):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-vs-saints-prediction-lab-where-detroit-can-win-what-can-get-them-beat-and-the-one-thing-that-decides-week-1/


Athlon Sports AI Desk - New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions NFL Prediction, Picks & Odds for Sept. 13, 2026 (Prediction for New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions on Sept. 13, 2026 - Saints 21 – Lions 31. We see a big game and a big season coming for returning star Goff.):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints-at-detroit-lions-nfl-prediction-picks-odds-for-sept-13-2026

Freep (All 5 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-20, 26-23, 30-20, 24-21, 29-22):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/09/13/lions-saints-predictions-nfl-week-1-picks-2026/91697799007/

Lions OnSI Expert Predictions For Detroit Lions Season-Opener Against Saints (All 4 pick the Lions to win by scores of 27-13, 35-23, 31-20, 28-17):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/expert-predictions-for-detroit-lions-season-opener-against-saints

Pride of Detroit (All 13 pick the Lions to win by scores of 28-10, 27-20, 31-17, 24-13, 31-13, 28-21, 23-20, 24-20, 27-10, 24-17, 28-16, 30-16, 28-20):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/nfl-picks/172344/nfl-week-1-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-expert-picks-score-predictions

NFL.com Preview Video (9 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-21, 33-22, 33-29, 24-17, 34-20, 28-17, 27-22, 33-22, 34-23.  1 picks the Saints to win 30-27):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/saints-vs-lions-preview-week-1

Saints OnSI Saints vs. Lions Predictions: Will New Orleans Start Season 1-0? (1 picks the Lions to win 28-17.  1 picks the Saints to win 31-28):  https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/onsi/saints-vs-lions-predictions-will-new-orleans-start-season-1-0-01m1hxtdsphw

Saints Wire Week 1 staff picks: Bold predictions, final score for Saints at Lions (3 pick the Saints to win by scores of 25-22, 27-24, 27-24.  1 picks the Lions to win by scores of 31-25):  https://saintswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2026/09/11/nfl-week-1-bold-predictions-final-score-saints-lions/91708431007/

Non-Score Predictions:

NFL Week 1 Picks From the MMQB Staff: Texans Host Bills in Early AFC Clash (8 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2026-nfl-week-1-staff-expert-picks



ESPN (11 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/picks


The Average Predicted Score (2199-1518/74) is Lions 30 Saints 21.   97 pick the Lions to win, 5 picks the Saints to win.
Posted by LionsFan at 10:04 PM 0 comments
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