The Detroit Lions defeated the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime on Sunday at Ford Field, surviving a late Saints rally behind Jahmyr Gibbs’ 156-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance in a dramatic NFL Week 1 finish.

Detroit opened the 2026 regular season with a 1-0 record after a back-and-forth game that required every one of its five periods. The Lions took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter and held it through a scoreless second quarter, establishing control early while New Orleans searched for an offensive answer.

The pace changed completely after halftime. Detroit and New Orleans each scored 14 points in the third quarter, leaving the Lions ahead 21-14 entering the final period. The Saints then put together their strongest stretch of the afternoon, scoring 10 fourth-quarter points while Detroit added three. That seven-point edge for New Orleans in the fourth erased Detroit’s lead and sent the game to overtime tied at 24-24.

Overtime delivered one more turn. New Orleans scored six points in the extra period, but Detroit answered with seven to secure the one-point victory. With the teams separated by only a single point after 60 minutes, the Lions found the final points they needed while the Saints were left just short despite producing 30 points on the road.

Key Performers

Jahmyr Gibbs powered Detroit’s ground game with 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns. His workload was a major part of the Lions’ ability to keep the offense moving through a game that tightened late, and his two scores accounted for 14 of Detroit’s 31 points.

Tyler Shough gave New Orleans a high-volume passing day, completing 35 of 56 passes for 410 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Shough consistently pushed the Saints downfield, helping them recover from their first-half shutout and generate 24 regulation points after halftime. The two interceptions, however, were costly possessions in a game ultimately decided by one point.

Chris Olave was Shough’s top target, catching 10 passes for 182 yards. Olave’s production accounted for nearly half of Shough’s passing yardage and gave New Orleans a dependable explosive-play threat throughout the comeback effort. The available game data did not list Olave’s touchdown total.

Detroit’s complete quarterback passing line and receiving leader were not included in the available game summary, but the Lions’ rushing production and overtime response were enough to start their season in the win column.

NerdSports Stat: The Saints scored 30 points despite being shut out in the first half, then took Detroit to overtime after trailing 7-0 at halftime.

For Detroit, the win is an immediate boost in the early NFC North race before a quick turnaround. The Lions host the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, September 17, at 5:15 PM PDT. New Orleans falls to 0-1 but showed considerable passing-game promise behind Shough and Olave; the Saints will look to turn that production into a Week 2 win against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, September 20, at 10:00 AM PDT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions game?

Detroit Lions defeated New Orleans Saints 31-30 on September 13, 2026.

Who led the Detroit Lions in passing?

Detroit’s passing leader and passing totals were not provided in the available game data.

Did the game go to overtime?

Yes. The game was tied 24-24 after regulation, and Detroit outscored New Orleans 7-6 in overtime.

What are both teams’ records after this game?

Detroit Lions is now 1-0; New Orleans Saints is 0-1.

When is Detroit Lions’ next game?

The Detroit Lions play the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 5:15 PM PDT.