The New Orleans Saints are back in action as they travel to the Motor City to face the Detroit Lions. Despite being underdogs, don’t count out Kellen Moore’s squad.
As we’ve seen in the past, NFL games aren’t won based on who’s more talented. Instead, numerous individual matchups determine the outcome. This is true for the Saints, as although the Lions may be more talented and are favorites, they still have a chance if they dominate these crucial battles.
So even though the Saints are a touchdown underdog, don’t count them out. Especially if these three matchups go their way.
Chase Young and Carl Granderson need to have a big day with Cameron Jordan out.
Chase Young/Carl Granderson vs. Penei Sewell and Blake Miller
The Saints must apply pressure on Jared Goff. He’s shown the ability to dissect a defense from the pocket if given enough time. With Cam Jordan out, this falls on Chase Young and Carl Granderson.
Young and Granderson have a tough task against Penei Sewell; however, they can attack 2026 first-round pick Blake Miller in his NFL Debut. Miller’s a fantastic athlete, but he has struggled against powerful, bull-rushing edge rushers in college, which both Young and Granderson can do.
Their performance has significant ramifications for the Saints, especially with the questions surrounding their defensive backs. It’s vital that they speed up Goff’s internal clock and don’t force the cornerbacks to cover downfield for an extended time. This is the difference between winning and losing.
Chris Olave vs. D.J. Reed and Keith Abney
Without Jordyn Tyson, the Lions will be focused on limiting Chris Olave. However, they have a questionable cornerback room that Olave can exploit. It’s pivotal that he’s a consistent target for Tyler Shough and can create explosive plays.
Veteran D.J. Reed has had a productive career, but struggled in 2025 due to an injury. As a result, the Saints must attack him in coverage.
Likewise, Keith Abney is an advantageous matchup for Olave. Nobody was a bigger fan of his during the draft than me (my CB1), but the fifth-round rookie is undersized and inexperienced. Don’t be surprised to see the Saints target this matchup early in the game.
Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks vs. Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson is the biggest threat to the Saints' offense. The former second-overall pick was fourth in the NFL last year with 14.5 sacks and can ruin a game plan. Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks’ performances will be the difference between a humming and a stalling offense.
This battle has significant ramifications for both the rushing and passing offenses. Obviously, protecting Shough is the highest priority, especially with his injury history and inconsistency under pressure. But establishing the run game is arguably as important.
It’s crucial that the Saints’ offense doesn’t become one-dimensional and that they have a solid rushing attack, which starts with Fuaga and Banks. Their clearing a path, especially against an edge rusher of Hutchinson’s caliber, is a necessity.
Add us as a preferred source on Google