By TESN Staff

The Detroit Lions opened their 2026 season with a victory, but Sunday’s 31–30 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints provided almost as many questions as answers.

Detroit built a 21–0 third-quarter lead before watching New Orleans erase the advantage and force overtime. The Lions ultimately survived when the Saints failed on a two-point conversion attempt following their overtime touchdown.

Gibbs Sets the Tone

Jahmyr Gibbs was Detroit’s most productive offensive weapon, carrying 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

That workload was significant. Gibbs averaged 5.4 yards per carry and helped Detroit control the game when its passing attack wasn't producing explosive plays.

Quarterback Jared Goff completed 26 of 39 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

Both touchdown passes went to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who again demonstrated why he remains one of Detroit’s most dependable offensive players. St. Brown finished with 10 receptions for 67 yards, including the Lions’ overtime touchdown.

The Defensive Concern

Detroit’s biggest issue was its inability to close the game defensively.

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns, while Chris Olave caught 10 passes for 182 yards. New Orleans finished with 469 total yards despite committing three turnovers.

That's the number Detroit cannot ignore.

The Lions generated enough takeaways to survive, but allowing an opponent to erase a three-touchdown deficit raises legitimate concerns about coverage, explosive plays and finishing defensively.

Detroit eventually made the play it needed. After New Orleans scored in overtime to make it 31–30, the Saints elected to attempt a two-point conversion for the victory. The pass fell incomplete, preserving Detroit's win.

Buffalo Comes Quickly

There isn't much time to celebrate or correct mistakes.

Detroit travels to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, September 17, giving the Lions a short week before facing another dangerous offense.

Buffalo opened its season with a 36–31 victory over Houston, setting up an early matchup between 1–0 teams.

TESN Perspective

Detroit got the result it needed, and performances from Gibbs and St. Brown provided plenty of encouragement.

But championship-level teams eventually have to put opponents away.

The Lions were three touchdowns ahead and nearly lost.

Against Buffalo, Detroit may not have the same margin for error.