Detroit Lions Defeat New Orleans Saints 31-30 in Week 1
The Detroit Lions narrowly overcame the New Orleans Saints 31-30, highlighted by strong performances from Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff.
On September 13, 2026, the Detroit Lions edged the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in a closely contested game. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs carried the ball 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns, supplementing his ground attack with five receptions for 30 yards. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 26 of 39 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns without interceptions, also rushing twice for two yards.
Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown contributed significantly with 10 catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Additional Detroit receiving yards came from Jameson Williams (4 receptions, 45 yards), Sam LaPorta (5 receptions, 48 yards), Sione Vaki (1 reception, 11 yards), and Brock Wright (1 reception, 5 yards).
New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards, completing 35 of 56 passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions, and added 8 rushing yards on four carries. His leading target, Chris Olave, recorded 10 receptions for 182 yards. Other notable Saints contributors included Travis Etienne Jr. (9 rushes for 46 yards; 7 receptions for 32 yards), Devaughn Vele (7 receptions, 69 yards, 1 touchdown), Kendre Miller (9 rushes for 30 yards, 1 touchdown), Noah Fant (4 receptions, 33 yards, 1 touchdown), and Juwan Johnson (3 receptions, 54 yards, 1 touchdown).
This article was prepared with AI assistance. Sources are listed below.
- Game scores and player statistics supplied by BALLDONTLIE.
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