The Lions Have A HUGE Advantage Against The Saints...

Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: https://atozsports.com/games For more LIONS coverage: https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-li... Facebook:   / lionsfans4life   Instagram:   / atozsportslions   Twitter/X: https://x.com/AtoZSportsNFL TikTok:   / atozsportsdetroitlions   The Detroit Lions open the 2026 NFL season against the New Orleans Saints, and Mike Payton sees one HUGE matchup advantage that could determine this game. New Orleans allowed 49 sacks last season, and that could be a major problem against a Lions defensive line that is deeper and more dangerous than it was a year ago. Aidan Hutchinson is going to command plenty of attention, but Mike believes Detroit has multiple other players who can take advantage of one-on-one opportunities, including D.J. Reader, Derrick Moore, Alim McNeill and others. But that's not the only thing that will decide Lions vs. Saints. New Orleans also has a defense capable of making Detroit uncomfortable. The Saints were fourth against the pass and third on third downs last season, and they are capable of disguising coverages and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. That means Jared Goff and the Lions offense cannot afford to get impatient. If Detroit can't hit the explosive plays it wants, Mike believes the Lions need to be willing to take the underneath throws, get the ball to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs, stay ahead of the sticks and avoid turnovers. The biggest key to the game could be early-down efficiency. Detroit cannot afford to repeatedly find itself in third-and-long against the Saints defense. The Lions need to get the running game going, stay in manageable situations and avoid the self-inflicted penalties and negative plays that can derail drives. Mike also gives his official Lions vs. Saints prediction, including his score and his biggest individual player predictions. His final prediction: Detroit Lions 31, New Orleans Saints 20. Mike is also predicting at least two sacks for Aidan Hutchinson, 100+ receiving yards and a touchdown for Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a big rushing performance from Jahmyr Gibbs. Who wins Lions vs. Saints? Let us know your prediction in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, predictions, game breakdowns and everything you need throughout the 2026 season. 0:00 Lions vs Saints Prediction Lab 1:22 Where can the Lions beat the Saints? 4:08 What can get the Lions beat? 7:00 What decides Lions vs Saints? 10:29 Mike Payton's official prediction 10:50 Mike's player predictions #DetroitLions #OnePride #Lions #NFL #LionsVsSaints