The Detroit Lions kick off their 2026 regular season at Ford Field against the New Orleans Saints, and let me tell you, expectations are through the roof. The Lions are flat-out Super Bowl contenders this year. While the Saints are looking to win their division, they have got some big questions on offense. That combination spells a potentially great day for the Lions defense right out of the gate.
This Lions D-Line Ain’t Playin’ Around
Last season, the Saints’ run game was rough, with starting running back Alvin Kamara hitting career lows in yards and touchdowns. The Saints as a whole finished with just 1,603 rushing yards. Now, with Kamara dealing with an MCL injury, new guy Travis Etienne is the focus. Etienne ran for over 57 yards in nine of his 16 starts with the Jaguars. But get this, the Saints *as a team* only had four players combine for seven games over 57 rushing yards last year.
The Lions’ defense? Yeah, they gave up 114.5 rushing yards per game in 2025, but that was with a defensive line that simply lacked depth and talent. Now? Defensive tackle Alim McNeill is back, fully healthy from a torn ACL. They signed defensive end DJ Wonnum and drafted edge Derrick Moore. This team used to be known for shutting down the run, and 2025 was a “mirage” of what they wanted to be. I expect them to get back on track this season. Etienne under 56.5 rushing yards looks like a smart play.
LaPorta’s Back and Goff Is Ready to Cook
On the other side of the ball, the Lions’ offense is loaded. Jared Goff threw for over 250 yards in 11 games last season. The Saints’ defense was tough against the pass in 2025, allowing only 179.2 yards per game, which was a big reason their record was not worse. But they have lost a few key players, mostly in the front seven.
Here is the kicker: tight end Sam LaPorta is back! He is a huge weapon. There is also talk about using Jahmyr Gibbs more in the passing game lined up as a receiver, though we have not seen much of it yet. The Lions’ offensive talent is just too strong, too many weapons for the Saints to contain. Goff going over 250 yards seems likely. And speaking of LaPorta, he has got to find the end zone to start the season. With the offseason hype around the improved offensive line and Isaac TeSlaa moving up to WR3, LaPorta’s return got a little overlooked. If the Saints focus heavily on stopping the run and Gibbs, LaPorta could feast. An anytime touchdown for LaPorta? Yeah, I am feeling it.
This Week 1 matchup is not just a game; it is a statement for the Lions. With a defense ready to re-establish its dominance and an offense firing on all cylinders with LaPorta back, the Saints are in for a serious challenge. What a way to kick off the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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