The NFL is back in Detroit, and Ford Field is preparing for an exciting opening-week showdown as the Detroit Lions host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 13, 2026. With a fresh season beginning, a packed stadium expected and both teams looking to start their campaigns with a statement victory, this matchup should provide plenty of drama from the opening kickoff.
For fans wondering where to watch, Saints vs. Lions will be televised on FOX, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT from Ford Field in Detroit. Both teams’ official game information confirms FOX as the television network for this Week 1 matchup.
FOX’s broadcast team for the game will feature Kenny Albert handling play-by-play, former NFL linebacker Jonathan Vilma providing analysis and Megan Olivi reporting from the sidelines. In the New Orleans market, fans can watch locally on WVUE FOX 8.
There are also several streaming possibilities depending on location and subscription. Eligible viewers can stream their local FOX broadcast through supported FOX platforms with appropriate TV-provider access. NFL+ provides live local games on supported phones and tablets, while NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV is designed for eligible out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Availability and blackout restrictions can vary by location.
For fans who prefer radio coverage, New Orleans will carry the matchup on WWL 870 AM and 105.3 FM. Mike Hoss will handle play-by-play duties alongside former Saints running back Deuce McAllister, with Jeff Nowak reporting from the sideline. A Spanish-language Saints broadcast will also be available through Tropical Radio.
But Sunday’s matchup is about far more than simply finding the right channel.
The Lions are opening their sixth season under head coach Dan Campbell, and the opponent provides an interesting connection to Detroit’s coach. Campbell spent five seasons with New Orleans from 2016 through 2020 as assistant head coach and tight ends coach before becoming Detroit’s head coach in January 2021. Now he begins another Lions campaign against the organization where he spent an important portion of his coaching career.
Detroit will have the advantage of opening the season at home. Ford Field has developed into one of the NFL’s most energetic environments, and Lions supporters should create plenty of noise as their team attempts to establish momentum immediately.
For New Orleans, this game marks the beginning of the franchise’s 60th season. Starting that campaign on the road against Detroit presents an immediate challenge, but it also gives the Saints an opportunity to make an early statement against a team that has played high-level football in recent seasons.
History adds another interesting element. This will be only the third time Detroit and New Orleans have met in Week 1. Detroit defeated the Saints 14–10 in the 2000 opener, while New Orleans answered with a 45–27 victory to begin its memorable 2009 season. Sunday’s meeting will break that 1–1 opening-week split between the franchises.
The biggest keys could be familiar ones: turnovers, third-down efficiency and control of the line of scrimmage. Opening-week games can be unpredictable, especially as teams reveal schemes and personnel combinations that opponents have not seen extensively during preseason. Whichever side settles into the game faster could establish an important early advantage.
Detroit will want to use the home crowd, play aggressively and force New Orleans into uncomfortable situations. The Saints, meanwhile, must handle the noise inside Ford Field and avoid giving the Lions short fields through mistakes.
Everything is set for an entertaining Sunday afternoon in Detroit.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
⏰ Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT
🏟️ Venue: Ford Field — Detroit, Michigan
📺 TV Channel: FOX
📱 Streaming: NFL+ on eligible devices / FOX-supported local streaming / NFL Sunday Ticket for eligible out-of-market viewers
🎙️ Saints Radio: WWL 870 AM / 105.3 FM
🏈 Matchup: New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
The offseason is over. Ford Field is ready. Two teams begin their journey with everything still possible.
ONE PRIDE! 🦁💙🏈🔥 — GO LIONS!
