Here's a look at how the New Orleans Saints have historically fared against the Detroit Lions, their opening opponent for the 2026 season.

The Detroit Lions close the 2026 NFL season with a challenging stretch of games. When the schedule was released, many supporters and pundits immediately noticed Dan Campbell's squad will play three of their last four games against division rivals.

April. Reports surfaced almost immediately: a deal was close. Then nothing happened. No announcement. No contract. The calendar crept past the NFL Draft, past April 27, past the date that matters more than most fans realize.

The Detroit Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.

Former Lions OC Ben Johnson will lead his team into Detroit on Thanksgiving

Bears coach Ben Johnson will be returning to Detroit for the second time since leaving, and will be hoping to improve on last season’s results, when Detroit dog-walked them 52-21. Johnson was 0-2 against the Lions in 2025, and this game could be his next opportunity to change that record for the positive.