Lions survive Saints rally to win 31-30 in overtime
11 sourcesUpdated Sep 14, 2026
The Detroit Lions defeated the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime in their season opener. Detroit built a 21-0 lead before the Saints scored two third-quarter touchdowns on an 8-yard run by Kendre Miller and a 1-yard pass from Tyler Shough to Devaughn Vele. New Orleans tied the game 24-24 on Shough's 9-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson with 1:07 left in regulation. In overtime Jared Goff threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown on the opening possession. The Saints scored a touchdown in reply, but coach Kellen Moore chose a two-point conversion to win with 1:34 left instead of kicking to tie; Shough's pass fell incomplete. Gibbs finished with a career-high 29 carries for 156 yards and two rushing scores plus five catches for 30 yards. Goff went 26 of 39 for 206 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. Shough completed 35 of 56 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions and a lost fumble. The Lions moved to 1-0 and next travel to Buffalo.
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Left· 3 sources
“Grades: Detroit Lions Escape Disaster in Overtime Thriller”Center· 1 source
“Lions escape with 31-30 OT win after Saints’ failed 2-pointer”Right· 1 source
“Lions escape season opener with 31-30 OT win over Saints”Saints came all the way back only to lose on a failed two point try, rough break.
Lions really blew that 21-0 lead but Gibbs running game saved them in overtime.
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