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Saints vs. Lions Prediction: NFL Week 1 Odds, Picks & Best Bet

Our Saints vs. Lions prediction for Week 1 includes our best bet, projected score, and the latest odds for Sunday's matchup.

Philip Wood

Last Updated: September 12, 2026 2:27 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff claps as we break down our Saints vs. Lions prediction. Photo by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

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My best Saints vs. Lions prediction focuses on how key Lions defensive injuries will impact Sunday's game.

While I expect Jared Goff and the Lions' offense to put up plenty of points, I also anticipate the Saints scoring plenty against a depleted secondary. The Lions are a 7.5-point betting favorite, with kickoff from Ford Field in Detroit set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One).

🏈 Saints vs. Lions picks & predictions

See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 1 based on the latest NFL odds.

Pick	Bet size
Lions -7.5 (+100 via BetMGM)	1.5 units
Over 50 (-108 via BetMGM)	2.5 units

Total wagered: 4 units | Max profit: 3.81 units

💰 Saints vs. Lions prediction & best bet

Over 49.5 (-108 via BetMGM)

Last season, the Lions allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt, the ninth-most in the league. I don't expect things to be better for the secondary on Sunday, as starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will miss this game. Add the fact that the Lions cut Terrion Arnold this offseason for off-the-field issues, and the secondary is starting in a much worse place than it was last year.

The Saints finished last season with the 13th-ranked passing attack, despite Spencer Rattler averaging just 176.2 yards per game. Tyler Shough averaged 216.7 yards per game, and he threw 10 touchdowns. The Saints scored at least 20 points in four of Shough's final five starts to end the season.

Despite all the frustrations for the Lions last year, they still averaged 28.3 points per game. That was tied for fourth in the league. They should top that number relatively easily against a defense that allowed 22.5 points per game last year.

📡 SBR Edge

The Lions scored at least 24 points in every home game last season, while the defense allowed an average of 23 per contest.

Lions make a statement with their new OC

Early last season, the Lions' offense lacked a real identity, but I don't expect that to be an issue under first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Two years ago, the Cardinals finished seventh in the league in rushing yards under Petzing, averaging 144.2 per contest. This should mean a heavy dose of Jahmyr Gibbs in this contest.

But it's the Lions' passing attack that is most dangerous. Despite all last year's issues, Goff finished second in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Score prediction: Lions 38, Saints 24

📊 Saints vs. Lions odds

See the latest NFL odds for every Week 1 matchup.

Saints vs. Lions opening odds

Moneyline: Saints +270 | Lions -340
Spread: Saints 7 (-110) | Lions -7 (-110)
Over/Under: Over 49.5 (-110) | Under 49.5 (-110)

📺 How to watch Saints vs. Lions: Week 1

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One

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Written by:
Philip Wood

Phil has covered sports betting since 2016 and has been sharing his NFL experience with SportsBook Review since 2022. He previously hosted the College Football Pick 'Em podcast for CanesInsight.com. He is always looking for value, especially on lines that just seem too good to be true. His belief is that if a line doesn't make sense just assume oddsmakers know something you don't. He also loves in-season futures. There is so much value to be had as the public overreacts weekly. Bettors tend to forget just how long NFL and college football seasons are. After all, the Green Bay Packers were 2-5 in 2023 and they made it to the Divisional Round. When deciding where to bet, it comes down to value over everything. +100 is always better than -110. An alumnus of The U, Phil always holds out hope that the next head coach will be the one who turns the football program around. He is also a diehard Detroit Lions fan and is willing to forgive Dan Campbell for forgetting that a kicker can be useful.