Lions defeat Saints 31-30 in overtime on Week 1

Detroit secured a 31-30 overtime victory against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The Lions took an early lead, fell behind after the Saints scored in the third quarter, and ultimately won when the Saints failed to convert a two-point attempt in overtime.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs carried the ball 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns, adding five receptions for 30 yards. With backup Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, Gibbs handled the bulk of the rushing workload.

Detroit’s defense limited New Orleans to 91 rushing yards, holding opponents to 3.6 yards per carry, and recorded five sacks on quarterback Tyler Shough, who was limited to eight rushing yards. The Lions forced multiple turnovers, including an early-second-half interception by linebacker Derrick Barnes and a strip-sack recovered by cornerback Roger McCreary, which helped build a 21-0 lead.

The secondary struggled in the second half, allowing Chris Olave to finish with 182 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and the Saints amassed 410 passing yards overall.

Special teams performed well, with punter Jack Fox delivering seven punts for 336 yards, three of which landed inside the 20-yard line.

In the offensive line battle, left guard Christian Mahogany left the game with a knee or hip injury, prompting head coach Dan Campbell to suggest Ben Bartch would assume the starting role.

"Initial tests on Mahogany’s knee were negative, but they’re not out of the woods with that injury," Campbell said.

The win improves Detroit’s prospects after a disappointing 2025 campaign and gives the Lions early momentum heading into the rest of the season.