Lions host Saints but offensive chaos clouds Ford Field shootout hopes

The Lions welcome New Orleans to Ford Field in Week 1, and if you're expecting the usual Motor City fireworks, pump the brakes. Detroit's rolling out Joshua Dobbs under center—a guy with all of two game samples in our data—which screams offensive uncertainty for a squad that averaged 28.3 points per game last season. That's not a small drop-off in confidence when your starting QB is essentially a mystery box.

The Saints? Even messier. Spencer Rattler gets the nod at quarterback with nine games under his belt, but New Orleans managed a paltry 18.0 PPG in 2025. Now add in Audric Estime on IR and Alvin Kamara's questionable tag, and you've got an offensive line and skill group held together with duct tape and prayers. The Saints aren't built to keep pace in a track meet, and the Lions might not have the firepower to force one anyway.

DarkHorse likes the under 49.5 here, and it's hard to argue. Two offenses navigating significant personnel questions in a season opener? That's a recipe for conservative game plans, three-and-outs, and clock-killing drives. Bet the under and enjoy a low-scoring slog.