New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions open regular season with historical matchup

The New Orleans Saints travel to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday to begin their 2026 NFL campaign. The Saints look to improve upon their 6-11 record from last season, while the Lions enter the contest following a 9-8 finish in 2025. This meeting marks the 29th game between the two franchises, with the Saints holding a slim 14-13-1 overall advantage in the series history. The last time the teams met, the Lions secured a 33-28 victory during the 2023 season. This upcoming game represents the third time the clubs have squared off in a season opener, following previous matchups in 2000 and 2009. The Saints have played in Detroit seven times during September, though they have only won one of those games.

• 4:29 PMYahoo Sports — A look back through the series history between the Saints and Lions