Football is finally back, and the Detroit Lions are ready to begin their 2026 NFL campaign with a highly anticipated home matchup against the New Orleans Saints. With a new season comes new expectations, new storylines and another opportunity for Detroit to prove that it belongs among the NFC’s most dangerous teams.
So, for fans asking the biggest question before kickoff — which channel will broadcast Lions vs. Saints?
The answer is FOX.
The two teams will meet on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET at Ford Field in Detroit. The official Lions schedule confirms FOX as the television network for the Week 1 matchup.
📺 FULL TV AND STREAMING GUIDE
🏈 Game: New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions
📅 Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
⏰ Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. CT
🏟️ Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
📺 TV: FOX
💻 Streaming: FOX Sports and NFL digital viewing options, subject to local-market restrictions
📱 Mobile: NFL Mobile App for eligible live local games
For fans watching outside the local broadcast area, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV is the official option for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Detroit’s official viewing guide also lists FOX Sports as the digital destination for local FOX broadcasts, while in-market fans have additional options through Lions digital platforms.
International viewers should check their country’s official NFL broadcaster because availability and streaming rights can vary by territory.
🦁 DETROIT OPENS THE SEASON AT HOME
There is something special about opening a new season in front of your own supporters.
The Lions will begin their sixth season under head coach Dan Campbell with the Saints visiting Ford Field. Campbell knows New Orleans particularly well, having spent five seasons with the Saints before eventually becoming Detroit’s head coach. The connection adds another interesting layer to a game that already has plenty of intrigue.
Detroit’s official preview also identifies Aidan Hutchinson as one of the major players to watch. Coming off an All-Pro season, Hutchinson enters 2026 looking to continue his rise as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. The Lions note that his 43.0 career sacks through four seasons are already the most in franchise history.
If Hutchinson can consistently pressure the Saints’ quarterback, Detroit’s defense could immediately set the tone.
⚜️ NEW ORLEANS BRINGS A DIFFERENT CHALLENGE
The Saints arrive in Detroit with plenty of questions of their own.
New Orleans enters the matchup under second-year head coach Kellen Moore, who has been working to establish a stronger identity after a difficult first season. The Saints also have Tyler Shough entering his second season at quarterback, giving the offense another intriguing young player around whom the franchise can build.
One of the biggest weapons Detroit must account for is Chris Olave.
The Lions’ official season preview notes that Olave is coming off a tremendous 2025 campaign in which he recorded 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns. With rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson expected to miss time because of a hamstring injury, Olave could be even more important to New Orleans’ passing attack in the opener.
That creates a fascinating matchup between one of Detroit’s strongest defensive players and one of New Orleans’ most dangerous offensive weapons.
🔥 THE KEY BATTLE: GIBBS AND DETROIT’S OFFENSE
On the other side of the ball, the Saints will have to deal with a Detroit offense capable of producing explosive plays.
One player receiving plenty of attention heading into the opener is Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit’s offense will need to find ways to put the dynamic running back in space, both as a runner and receiver.
The bigger question may be how efficiently the Lions’ revamped offensive line performs.
If Detroit can establish the run early, protect the quarterback and consistently win on first and second down, the Lions could control the tempo and put New Orleans’ defense under pressure.
But the Saints are not expected to simply sit back.
New Orleans’ defense, led by coordinator Brandon Staley, has been built around a 3-4 structure with coverage concepts designed to limit explosive passing plays. The Saints also have experienced pass rushers capable of making life difficult for Detroit’s offensive line.
👀 WHAT SHOULD FANS WATCH FOR?
There are several major storylines to follow once the game begins.
First, watch the trenches. Detroit wants to establish physical dominance, while New Orleans will attempt to disrupt the Lions’ rhythm with pressure.
Second, watch Chris Olave against Detroit’s secondary. If Shough can consistently find Olave, the Saints could create problems.
Third, watch Jahmyr Gibbs. His ability to turn short plays into explosive gains could dramatically change the game.
And finally, watch Aidan Hutchinson.
If Hutchinson gets early pressure, Detroit could force New Orleans into difficult down-and-distance situations and allow the Lions’ defense to dictate the game.
📻 MORE WAYS TO FOLLOW THE GAME
Fans who cannot watch the FOX broadcast can also follow the game through the Lions Radio Network, while SiriusXM and other authorized NFL audio services provide additional listening options. Detroit’s official viewing guide lists radio, streaming and mobile options for following Lions games throughout the season.
For fans in Detroit, the official Lions game-day radio programming begins before kickoff and continues through the postgame coverage.
🏈 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!
The 2026 NFL season is here, and Detroit has the perfect opportunity to make an immediate statement.
The Lions and Saints will meet at Ford Field on Sunday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET, with FOX carrying the game nationally within its Sunday afternoon broadcast package.
Detroit wants to start the year with a victory in front of its home crowd.
New Orleans wants to spoil the party.
The Lions have playoff ambitions. The Saints are trying to establish a new identity. Both teams have young talent, new challenges and plenty to prove.
And when the clock hits 1:00 p.m. ET, there will be nowhere to hide.
🦁 DETROIT LIONS vs. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
📺 FOX
⏰ 1:00 P.M. ET
🏟️ FORD FIELD
📅 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
🔥 THE WAIT IS OVER. THE 2026 SEASON STARTS NOW.
❤️🦁 LIONS FANS — GET READY, TURN ON FOX, AND DON’T MISS A SINGLE SNAP! 🏈🔥
