What happened: On NFL Network's 'The Insiders,' Ian Rapoport singled out Detroit's Week 1 visit to face New Orleans as the season-opening matchup he is most looking forward to on the freshly released 2026 NFL schedule. The segment was part of a broader schedule-unpack series in which Rapoport and colleagues highlighted standout games across the calendar.

Why it matters: Week 1 attention matters because opening-weekend slates set the early narrative for contenders and rebuilds alike. A Lions team coming off recent deep playoff runs against a Saints squad in transition offers contrasting storylines that draw national eyes and shape early.

What to watch: Watch for kickoff time and broadcast window assignments as the league finalizes Week 1 windows, and for early point spreads to post once Vegas books open the 2026 season lines.