Saints predicted to stun Lions in Week 1 with Tyler Shough result that fans would love to see originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New Orleans Saints might not have won the division in 2025, as they finished dead last, but there is a ton of optimism heading into 2026.
While the defense might take a step back, the offense should be able to take a massive step forward. Tyler Shough is surrounded by great players now, and fans should have a lot of optimism for the 2026 season.
The vibes are so high for the Saints heading into the year that ESPN’s Katherine Terrell predicted that the Saints would begin the year with a breakout campaign from the offense led by Shough, with a stunning Week 1 result.
“The Saints will beat the Lions in their opening game,” Terrell writes. “… The Saints, who finished 21st in total offense last season, should look revamped this September behind Tyler Shough and some new offensive additions…”
Saints fans would love for this prediction to come true, as it would be about the best way their 2026 season could possibly start.
Saints predicted to stun Lions with Tyler Shough breakout
This offseason, the Saints made it their mission to surround Shough with a lot of good offensive pieces. Whether it was in free agency or the draft, the Saints revamped the offense.
Shough is the quarterback, with David Edwards signing in free agency to round out a good offensive line to protect Shough. Noah Fant was also a nice free agent pickup.
Travis Etienne Jr. joined the running back room as a new dynamic starter, and he’ll likely start ahead of Alvin Kamara in 2026, giving Shough a better starting RB in year two.
Add in returning players in Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, Devaughn Vele, and the offense looks to be in great shape to begin the season.
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Then, in the NFL Draft, the Saints took multiple receiving threats, including tight end Oscar Delp on Day 2, and three wide receivers in first-round pick Jordyn Tyson, a steal in North Dakota State’s Bryce Lance, and returner Barion Brown.
The offense is in great shape, and Terrell is predicting that Shough and this offense will stun the Lions in Week 1. It’s possible, especially with the Lions coming off a rough 2025, and having some big questions offensively with a new offensive coordinator.
If the Saints beat the Lions in the first week of the season, with the new-look offense thriving right from the get-go, it would be hard for fans to ask for a better start than that.
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