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Key matchups: Saints vs. Lions

The Detroit Lions kick off their 2026 NFL schedule this Sunday at Ford Field, welcoming the New Orleans Saints for a Week 1 clash. Detroit is determined to rebound after stumbling to a 9-8 finish that left them outside the postseason picture following a campaign with lofty expectations.

Head coach Dan Campbell will try to guide his squad to a fast start on their home turf.

Meanwhile, the visiting Saints confront significant challenges of their own, bringing an undermanned defensive line into Michigan. The road tilt places heavy responsibility on second-year passer Tyler Shough, wideout Chris Olave, and defender Chase Young as New Orleans attempts to engineer a Week 1 victory.