Saints vs. Lions Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Odds for Sunday, September 13th
The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions open 2026 indoors at Ford Field with a total approaching 50 points. Tyler Shough looks to build on a promising finish to last season for New Orleans, while Jared Goff and Detroit return one of the league's deeper collections of offensive playmakers. Check out this Saints vs. Lions prediction and best bet for Sunday, September 13.
Peter Alexis - September 13, 2026, 11:45 AM EDT
5 Minute ReadSaints vs. Lions Prediction: Can Jared Goff, Lions Light Up Scoreboard in Week 1?
New Orleans visits Detroit at 1:00 PM ET on FOX. The Lions are 7-point favorites, with the total at 49.5.
Detroit is coming off a disappointing 9-8 season but still finished among the NFL's highest-scoring offenses. New Orleans went 6-11 but found more offensive stability late in the year behind Shough, setting up an opener with legitimate scoring potential from both sides.
Saints vs. Lions Recent Results
New Orleans finished 6-11 but won four of its final five games as Shough emerged as a viable starting quarterback. The Saints enter Week 1 with some injury concerns, most notably Cameron Jordan being ruled out, while Alvin Kamara worked his way back onto the practice field after a knee issue.
Detroit went 9-8 and missed the playoffs after entering the year with championship expectations. Even during the disappointing season, the Lions remained one of the NFL's better scoring teams, and the core of Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Detroit's explosive skill group remains capable of putting pressure on defenses quickly.
Saints vs. Lions Head to Head
- December 3, 2023: Detroit Lions 33, New Orleans Saints 28
- October 4, 2020: New Orleans Saints 35, Detroit Lions 29
- October 15, 2017: New Orleans Saints 52, Detroit Lions 38
- December 4, 2016: Detroit Lions 28, New Orleans Saints 13
- December 21, 2015: Detroit Lions 35, New Orleans Saints 27
The last three meetings produced 61, 64 and 90 combined points. The personnel has changed, but the series has repeatedly produced the type of back-and-forth scoring environment needed to clear a number near 50.
Saints vs. Lions Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, September 13th, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- How to Watch: FOX
Saints vs. Lions Odds
- Spread: New Orleans Saints +7, Detroit Lions -7
- Total Points: Over 49.5, Under 49.5
- Moneyline: New Orleans Saints +260, Detroit Lions -325
Click here for the latest Saints vs. Lions Odds
Saints vs. Lions Line Movement and Betting Splits
The market opened around Detroit -7 and has generally remained near the touchdown, while the total has settled at 49.5.
The Over is attracting 55% of tickets but a much stronger 80% of the handle. Detroit also has 75% of spread bets and 76% of the money, indicating the dominant public game script is a Lions win with plenty of scoring.
Saints vs. Lions Prediction
Detroit has the offensive structure to attack New Orleans immediately. Goff is at his best indoors when the Lions can protect him, stay ahead of the sticks and create yards after the catch through play action and intermediate concepts.
Jordan's absence is particularly meaningful against that structure. New Orleans needs to pressure Goff without sacrificing coverage, and removing its most experienced edge defender makes that much more difficult.
Detroit should also be able to force New Orleans to score. If the Lions reach the mid-to-high 20s early enough, Shough will have to throw more aggressively rather than playing a conservative field-position game.
There is reason to believe the Saints can contribute. Shough improved as 2025 progressed, Chris Olave remains a legitimate No. 1 target, and New Orleans finished the season playing much better offensive football than its 6-11 record suggests.
Even if Kamara is limited, the Saints have alternatives in the backfield and can create explosive opportunities through the passing game. Detroit's offense is also capable of generating short fields or forcing opponents into higher pace simply through scoreboard pressure.
The number is high, but a 30-21 result already clears it. If Shough can push New Orleans into the mid-20s, Detroit should have enough offensive efficiency at home to take care of the rest.
Saints vs. Lions Best Bet
- Pick: Over 48.5 Total Points (-125) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Detroit remains one of the more trustworthy offenses on Sunday's slate, and New Orleans showed enough late last season to avoid becoming a passenger in the scoring equation.
The Over also has the stronger larger-wager profile, with 80% of the handle despite only 55% of tickets. With Detroit capable of reaching 30 and New Orleans equipped to answer, 49.5 is reachable.
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