The Detroit Lions narrowly avoided what would have been the biggest blown lead in franchise history, needing overtime and a crucial defensive stop to beat the New Orleans Saints in their opening game of the 2026 NFL season. Detroit had built a 21-point lead, but the Saints stormed back in the second half to force overtime, before the Lions' defence broke up a game-winning two-point conversion attempt to seal the win at Ford Field.

New Orleans' comeback was capped by a Juwan Johnson touchdown with 1:07 left in regulation, and the Saints nearly won it outright when Daniel Carlson's 62-yard field goal attempt at the buzzer sailed wide right. In overtime, both sides traded touchdowns before Saints coach Kellen Moore opted to go for a two-point conversion and the win rather than kick to tie, but quarterback Tyler Shough's pass for rookie Bryce Lance was broken up. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs starred with 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Shough threw for 410 yards but was intercepted twice, with Chris Olave hauling in 10 catches for 182 yards.