Saints-Lions: How to Watch Sunday’s 2026 Season Opener

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The New Orleans Saints kick off their season this Sunday at noon against the Detroit Lions.

Facing the Lions presents a major test for New Orleans. Detroit enters as the favorite to capture the NFC North, boasting a high-powered offense alongside one of the league's most formidable pass-rushing defenses.

Additionally, playing inside Ford Field offers a noisy, dome setting that can disrupt an opponent's offensive communication—a challenge similar to what visiting teams encounter at the Caesars Superdome.

“I love it. I think it's a great challenge for us,” Saints quarterback Tyler Shough said. “It's a great challenge for us to get in and out of the huddle operation-wise. It's a good challenge for us as a team, right off the bat against a playoff team with probably the highest caliber players all across the board.”

When and Where?

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: Noon CT
Location: Ford Field (Detroit)

How to Watch Saints vs Lions on TV

TV: WVUE FOX 8

Broadcasters: Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (color analyst) and Megan Olivi (sideline reporter)

How to Listen Live to the Saints vs. Lions on Radio

Local radio: WWL (870 AM and 105.3 FM)

Broadcasters: Mike Hoss (play-by-play), Deuce McAllister (color analyst) and Jeff Nowak (sideline reporter)

Spanish language radio: Tropical Radio (830 AM, 94.7 FM-Baton Rouge and 105.7 FM-New Orleans)

Broadcasters: Mario Jerez (play-by-play), Juan Carlos Ramos (color analyst) and Victor Quinonez (sideline)

One Thing to Watch Out For

Tyler Shough building off of a stong training camp.

Shough is fully prepared for this opportunity, with the entire organization placing complete trust in the second-year Louisville product. That confidence should translate into letting him push the ball downfield aggressively.

Look for our Halftime Studs and Duds here at On SI Saints.

New Orleans demonstrated this aggressive approach during three joint practice sessions against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, and Dallas Cowboys.

Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Shough delivered an impressive finish to training camp. From Day 12 through the final session—which incorporated all three joint practices—he connected on 76.5% of his 115 pass attempts while throwing just a single interception. He was also effective deep, converting six of his 10 pass attempts of 20 or more yards.

Detroit's defensive situation further favors taking downfield shots: the Lions ranked 20th against the pass last year and will enter the matchup missing both starting safeties, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, to injury.

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