Lions Edge Saints in Thrilling Overtime Finish
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Ford Field
Quick answers
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions?
Detroit Lions beat New Orleans Saints 31-30 at Ford Field on September 13, 2026.
Who was favored in New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions?
Detroit Lions were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
In a nail-biting contest at Ford Field, the Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as the Lions improved their record to 2-0, while the Saints fell to 0-2. The game showcased a dramatic back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Lions entered the game with a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, but they were riding a one-game winning streak after their previous victory. They had averaged 26.6 points scored and allowed 26.2 points per game during this stretch. This offensive output was bolstered by their home record, which now stands at 1-0 this season. Meanwhile, the Saints had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games but were on a one-game losing streak, averaging 18.1 points scored and allowing 19.7 points per game. Their away record was 0-1 this season, indicating struggles on the road.
The game was played under competitive conditions, and the Lions were favored by a spread of 7 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 49.5. The odds reflected the Lions' strong home advantage, as they were given a moneyline of -340, while the Saints were at +270.
In terms of injuries, the Lions had several key players affected. Christian Mahogany was listed as questionable due to a knee issue, while Christian Izien, Mekhi Wingo, Jimmy Rolder, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. were all out due to coach's decisions. For the Saints, Zach Wilson, Mason Murphy, John Ridgeway III, Cameron Jordan, and Khristian Boyd were all out, with Jordan's absence due to a hamstring injury.
The Lions' recent home form had seen them score an average of 26.2 points over their last five games, while allowing 27.8 points, indicating a potential for high-scoring affairs. Conversely, the Saints had shown a more robust defense in their last five games, allowing an average of 17.6 points while scoring 24.8 points.
This matchup was significant not only for the standings but also for the intensity of the rivalry. The Lions and Saints have faced each other multiple times in the past, but this latest encounter was particularly thrilling, culminating in an overtime finish that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.
Fans watching the game were treated to an exhilarating display of football, with both teams exchanging leads and making critical plays. The Lions' ability to capitalize on their home field advantage and the Saints' struggle to find their footing on the road were evident throughout the contest.
Ultimately, the Lions emerged victorious, demonstrating their capacity to perform under pressure and setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Detroit Lions and the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field on September 13, 2026, promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams look to start their season on a high note. With both teams entering the game with a record of 0-0, the stakes are high for this early-season clash.
In their recent form, the Lions have shown a mixed bag of results. In their last five games, they secured three wins and two losses. Their most recent game ended in a loss against the Minnesota Vikings with a score of 23-10 on December 25, 2025. Prior to that, they managed to defeat the Chicago Bears 19-16 on January 4, 2026, and had a win against the Indianapolis Colts, finishing 25-16 on August 29, 2026. Over their last five games, the Lions have averaged 19.8 points per game while allowing 18.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Saints have also experienced a rollercoaster ride in their last five outings, with a record of 3-2. They recently defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-24 on August 29, 2026, but suffered a heavy loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where they were shut out 34-0 on August 22, 2026. Their scoring average in the last five games stands at 22.8 points per game, while they allowed an average of 22.2 points.
When it comes to home and away performances, the Lions have a home record of 2-3 in their last five home games, averaging 26.2 points scored and 27.8 points allowed. The Saints, on the other hand, have a more balanced away record of 3-3 in their last six away games, scoring an average of 18.1 points and allowing 19.7 points.
In terms of injuries, both teams will be missing key players. The Lions will be without Christian Izien due to a groin injury, and several others are out due to coach's decisions, including Mekhi Wingo, Jimmy Rolder, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Ahmed Hassanein. The Saints will also face challenges with Zach Wilson, Mason Murphy, John Ridgeway III, and Cameron Jordan all ruled out, with Jordan's absence due to a hamstring injury.
The betting odds from DraftKings indicate that the Lions are favored to win by a spread of 7 points, with a money line of -325 for the Lions and +260 for the Saints. The total points set for the game is 49.5, with the over priced at -115 and the under at -105.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be warm, with a temperature around 80°F and a slight chance of precipitation at 9%. Winds may gust up to 15 mph, which could have an impact on passing and kicking.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how both teams adjust to their injury situations and how the Lions capitalize on their home-field advantage. The matchup will also showcase the offensive strategies of both squads, particularly how the Lions' recent scoring trends hold up against the Saints' defense.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -7 | 49.5 o -115 / u -105 | New Orleans Saints +270 · Detroit Lions -340 |
Injury report
- Christian MahoganyQuestionableKneeDetroit Lions
- Christian IzienOutGroinDetroit Lions
- Mekhi WingoOutCoach's DecisionDetroit Lions
- Jimmy RolderOutCoach's DecisionDetroit Lions
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr.OutCoach's DecisionDetroit Lions
- Zach WilsonOutCoach's DecisionNew Orleans Saints
- Mason MurphyOutCoach's DecisionNew Orleans Saints
- John Ridgeway IIIOutCoach's DecisionNew Orleans Saints
- Cameron JordanOutHamstringNew Orleans Saints
- Khristian BoydOutCoach's DecisionNew Orleans Saints
Leaders
- Passing yardsJared Goff26/39, 206 YDS, 2 TDDetroit Lions
- Rushing yardsJahmyr Gibbs29 CAR, 156 YDS, 2 TDDetroit Lions
- Receiving yardsAmon-Ra St. Brown10 REC, 67 YDS, 2 TDDetroit Lions
- Passing yardsTyler Shough35/56, 410 YDS, 3 TD, 2 INTNew Orleans Saints
- Rushing yardsTravis Etienne Jr.9 CAR, 46 YDSNew Orleans Saints
- Receiving yardsChris Olave10 REC, 182 YDSNew Orleans Saints
Recent form
Detroit Lions
Last 10: 4-6Streak W126.6 scored · 26.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W19-16at Chicago BearsJan 4
- L10-23at Minnesota VikingsDec 25
- L24-29vs Pittsburgh SteelersDec 21
- L34-41at Los Angeles RamsDec 14
- W44-30vs Dallas CowboysDec 5
- L24-31vs Green Bay PackersNov 27
- W34-27vs New York GiantsNov 23
- L9-16at Philadelphia EaglesNov 17
- W44-22at Washington CommandersNov 9
- L24-27vs Minnesota VikingsNov 2
New Orleans Saints
Last 10: 5-5Streak L118.1 scored · 19.7 allowed per game3-3 away
- L17-19at Atlanta FalconsJan 4
- W34-26at Tennessee TitansDec 28
- W29-6vs New York JetsDec 21
- W20-17vs Carolina PanthersDec 14
- W24-20at Tampa Bay BuccaneersDec 7
- L17-21at Miami DolphinsNov 30
- L10-24vs Atlanta FalconsNov 23
- W17-7at Carolina PanthersNov 9
- L10-34at Los Angeles RamsNov 2
- L3-23vs Tampa Bay BuccaneersOct 26
Standings
| Team | Lost | Points against | Points for | Tied | Win % | Won | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina | 1 | 59 | 37 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-1 |
| New Orleans | 1 | 31 | 30 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-1 |
| Tampa Bay | 1 | 33 | 27 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-1 |
| Atlanta | 1 | 20 | 13 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-1 |
| Chicago | 0 | 37 | 59 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1-0 |
| Detroit | 0 | 30 | 31 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1-0 |
| Green Bay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-0 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 29 | 26 |
| First downs passing | 19 | 10 |
| First downs rushing | 7 | 14 |
| First downs by penalty | 3 | 2 |
| Third downs | 8-17 | 5-13 |
| Fourth downs | 2-2 | 0-0 |
| Offensive plays | 86 | 73 |
| Total yards | 469 | 369 |
| Yards per play | 5.5 | 5.1 |
| Drives | 14 | 14 |
| Net passing yards | 378 | 204 |
| Completions | 35/56 | 26/39 |
| Yards per pass | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 2 | 0 |
| Sacks allowed | 5-32 | 1-2 |
| Rushing yards | 91 | 165 |
| Rushing attempts | 25 | 33 |
| Yards per rush | 3.6 | 5.0 |
| Red zone trips | 4-5 | 4-5 |
| Penalties | 6-53 | 8-61 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 1 | 1 |
| Defensive touchdowns | 0 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 31:35 | 36:51 |
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Lions, below favours New Orleans Saints.
Venue
- Ford FieldDetroit, MI
- OfficialsGreg Bradley, Paul King, Dale Shaw, Alan Eck, David Oliver, Grantis Bell
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