Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Network: FOX
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Tyler Shough: START (in Superflex), Borderline QB1
All aboard the Shough Truck! My colleague Brett Ford has been behind the wheel of that 4×4 longer than anybody I know, and with an over/under pushing 50 facing a defense that allowed the highest aDOT in the league last season, I’m riding shotgun Week 1. If rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson were active, he’d be pushing the top 10, but even without him, he’s a lock to start in Superflex and a borderline start with upside in 1QB.
Running Back
Travis Etienne Jr: START, RB1
Alvin Kamara: OUT
Kendre Miller: SIT
There was talk that Travis Etienne Jr. would share the load with Alvin Kamara after signing with the Saints. Whether that was true or not is a moot point for the time being, with Kamara on the IR and only Kendre Miller behind him, ETN (can we still call him that?) is locked into a heavy-volume role on a team that will play from behind a ton this season.
Wide Receiver
Chris Olave: START, WR1
Devaughn Vele: FLEX, WR4
Jordyn Tyson: OUT
Well, well, well…how the turntables. Yes, I was very out on Chris Olave heading into the season, but with Jordyn Tyson out for at least 6-8 weeks, Olave will be getting that sweet, sweet volume he saw last season. Efficiency, shmesmishency (just go with it). Olave has the delectable combo of a super safe floor with darkhorse Week 1 WR1 upside. Devaughn Vele offers some desperation FLEX appeal with the Lions’ tendency to give up the big play as well, but you’re hoping for a Shough Chuck into the end zone.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson: START, TE1
We’ve seen Juwan Johnson flirt with some TE1 upside, and he’ll likely bat those big beautiful eyes at us as long as Tyson remains sidelined. I expect him to be the team’s de facto WR2, and he faces a Lions team that gave up almost 14 points per game to the position last season.
Defense/Special Teams
New Orleans Saints: SIT
The Saints defense is not on the fantasy radar this season.
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Jared Goff: START, QB1
Dome Sweet Dome is a really good thing for one Mr. Jared Goff. The Lions QB1 touchdown rate jumped from 5.2% to 6.3% in games indoors last season, and he gets to face a Saints defense that allowed the fifth most passing yards per game in 2025. Fire him up in all formats.
Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs: START, RB1
Isiah Pacheco: OUT
One of three players who had a legit claim to the first overall pick in all formats, Jahmyr Gibbs is set to have a career year without David Montgomery ready to steal touchdowns.
Editor’s completely unbiased Lions fan note: “Gotta Go Fast” -Sonic the Hedgehog
Wide Receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown: START, WR1
Jameson Williams: START, WR2
Isaac Teslaa: SIT
Amon-Ra St. Brown is in your starting lineup every week, offering one of the safest WR1 floors in all the land. Jameson Williams worked on his route tree this offseason, and if rumors of his increased involvement in the Lions offense come true, he could shed that boom/bust chrysalis and finally become that beautiful borderline WR1 butterfly.
Tight End
Sam LaPorta: START, TE1
The Saints were a fantastic fantasy matchup for tight ends last season, allowing 12.5 points per game to the position. Redemption SZN should start strong for Sam LaPorta if expectations of him becoming a focal point in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing‘s offense come to fruition.
Defense/Special Teams
Detroit Lions: START
A potential shootout isn’t ideal for a starting D/ST, but the Saints tied the Bengals and Dolphins last season with 24 giveaways, the league’s fourth-highest total.