The New Orleans Saints are coming off a 6-11 season in the NFC South, which actually wasn't the only losing record in the division in 2025, nor was a losing record enough to actually eliminate every team in the division from postseason contention.
That just goes to show that they have an opportunity to take over the division once again with the right rebuild. It's why the Detroit Lions have spent the entire week leading up to their Week 1 clash emphasizing the need to not underestimate them. Jahmyr Gibbs told reporters on Tuesday that the Saints are likely treating the Lions the same way headed into this game:
"We're not gonna take anybody lightly, no matter what record they had. I mean, sh**, we didn't make the playoffs either, so they're probably looking at it the same way."
Another added challenge for this game has just been revealed, with Saints reporter Nick Underhill suggesting that running back Alvin Kamara - who was expected to miss the first week or so of the season with a knee injury - could actually be ready to go by this Sunday.
Alvin Kamara's potential availability a great test for Lions run defense
Last season, Detroit's run defense was subpar. With no Alim McNeill in the fold for much of the year, in addition to Tyleik Williams only being a rookie thrust into a position to dominate in this area of the front seven, the Lions' ability to kill drives on the ground felt nonexistent. They were 29th in the league in run stop win rate, which was a steep drop-off from being 19th in the league in 2024.
Kamara finished up his 2025 season with 471 rushing yards on an average of 3.6 rushing yards per carry, although he only played in 11 games. If healthier, he's a threat to Detroit's run defense alongside Travis Etienne Jr., who just joined the team this offseason in free agency.
READ MORE: Devin White’s arrival might've given Lions’ linebackers the spark they needed
Throughout preseason and training camp, its been clear that Detroit's defensive line depth is far better than it was in 2025. That's in much thanks to McNeill's health and Williams' development into a lighter, more athletic tackle in the offseason, but also thanks to the Lions' really great drafting. Skyler Gill-Howard, Eric O'Neill, and Ahmed Hassanein all figure to be important pieces to their run defense this season, in addition to their pass rush.
Shutting of both Etienne's and Kamara's water will force New Orleans to place the offense in Tyler Shough's hands, which could be a mixed bag for the rest of the Lions' defense. Truth be told, it might be better for the Lions' defensive front to control this game rather than their secondary.
But, eliminating New Orleans' run game almost entirely against a one-two punch like Etienne-Kamara would be a huge confidence boost for Detroit's line, and a great sign for them ahead of another challenge awaiting them in Week 2 against James Cook and the Buffalo Bills.
Add us as a preferred source on Google