NFL Odds, Picks and Predictions for Saints vs. Lions for Week 1
A New Orleans Saints team that finished 2025 with plenty of momentum, and a Detroit Lions squad aiming to return to past success after a disappointing season, face off at Ford Field to open the new season Sunday. In what is expected to be a competitive and potentially high-scoring matchup, we break down some best bets to consider.
Gear up for NFL season with the best sportsbook promos available at the top sports betting sites. The BetMGM bonus code gets football fans up to $1,500 in bonuses at signup.
Saints vs. Lions NFL Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
- Moneyline: Saints +270 (FanDuel), Lions -320 (Caesars)
- Point spread: Saints +7 (Hard Rock), Lions -6.5 (FanDuel)
- Totals: Over 49.5 points (DraftKings), Under 50.5 points (the Score)
The Lions have unsurprisingly been fairly heavy favorites since this line was released, and nothing throughout the summer has changed that stance. The Saints were a trendy preseason pick to take a big step forward in 2026 thanks to Tyler Shough's development last season, but oddsmakers and the public appear to believe they're still not particularly close to the level of a talented Lions squad.
The robust projected total also is also to be expected when considering the offensive firepower on both sidelines. Shough should indeed be ready for a big second year after gaining so much valuable experience as a rookie, and the fast track and cozy dome environment for this game only further supports the notion of an offensive showcase. The Over was also 6-2 in Ford Field games last season, offering some statistical support.
Check updated NFL odds to find the best prices for your favorite bets all season.
Try the Caesars Sportsbook promo code this NFL season for a great welcome offer from one of the leading sports betting apps.
Saints vs. Lions NFL Picks Week 1
The Saints head into the new season brimming with optimism after wrapping up the 2025 campaign just three Week 17 points short of a five-game winning streak. Shough was a major catalyst of the improved play, averaging 260.0 passing yards while completing 69.7 percent of his passes and posting a 9:4 TD:INT in his last seven contests overall.
The front office outfitted the offense with a significant new weapon this offseason in the form of Travis Etienne, whose presence is all the more important considering Alvin Kamara is likely to sit out Sunday because of an MCL injury. Etienne joins the likes of Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele and Juwan Johnson to form a rock-solid skill-position core for Shough.
The one concern is that there are receiver depth issues behind Olave and Vele – with first-round pick Jordyn Tyson on the reserve/injured list to start the season due to a hamstring issue. It's sixth-round rookie Barion Brown and rookie fourth-round pick Bryce Lance behind the top duo, and that vulnerability could be exacerbated against a veteran explosive team like the Lions.
Detroit returns its superstar-laden offense this season. Jared Goff once again has Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta at his disposal when he drops back, and Jahmyr Gibbs is essentially as gifted a receiver as he is a runner. And, when Gibbs does carry the rock Sunday, he'll be running against a Saints front that will be missing Cameron Jordan because of a hamstring injury.
The Lions are an NFL-best 28-17 against the spread at home since head coach Dan Campbell took over as head coach in 2021, and Detroit averaged an NFL-high 32.5 points per game at Ford Field last season as well. The Saints were also a relatively prolific offense when traveling last season – their 25.3 points per road game dwarf the 19.4 they put up at home.
Given all the factors cited, taking advantage of FanDuel's Alt. Spread feature to make it a bit easier for the Lions to cover and also teasing the projected total down of 49.5 down four points to hedge against the offenses not yet hitting on all cylinders makes for a very viable same-game parlay.
Then, with Gibbs having just two inexperienced backups in Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors and the Saints being down Jordan, we'll take a shot at a feasible rushing + receiving yards prop for him in a game where he should see plenty of touches.
Saints vs. Lions NFL Best Bets
- SGP: Lions Alt. Spread -3.5 and Over Alt. Total 45.5 points (+122 on FanDuel)
- Jahmyr Gibbs Over 117.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-117 on BetRivers)
Saints vs. Lions NFL Week 1 Prediction
Lions 27, Saints 22
As noted previously, both teams' offenses should have some success moving the ball, and the fact both squads ranked in the top half of the league in pace last season should only further the chances of a higher-scoring game. The explosive components on either side should help keep things competitive, but the Lions' experience and edge in talent should propel them to a narrow victory.
