NFL schedule leaks: Saints to open the season on the road vs Lions

The New Orleans Saints are heading to Detroit to kick off their 2026 season, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. It's a highly anticipated matchup against a Lions team that has enjoyed plenty of success over the past several seasons.

For the Saints, the season opener in Detroit should serve as a perfect litmus test to see whether the offseason additions are for real or if the team still needs some work. The full schedule won’t be officially unveiled by the NFL until 7 p.m. CT on Thursday night, but the leak confirms that New Orleans will start its journey on the road before eventually heading to Paris later in the season for their Week 7 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Lions’ identity, thanks to their head coach, Dan Campbell, is built on being the grittiest team in the league. They’re not afraid to take risks. If the Saints’ revamped offensive line, now with Kelvin Banks Jr. heading into Year 2 and David Edwards being brought into the fold, can hold their own against Aidan Hutchinson and the Detroit front, it could be a sign that Ne Orleans is ready to compete in the trenches.

Simply put, the Lions have been, and will continue to be, one of the top-tier contenders in the NFC. The Saints are obviously looking to get into the win column to start the season, but even if they can go toe-to-toe with one of the league’s premier teams, it could be a huge confidence boost heading into the rest of the season.