Last season, the New Orleans Saints had an “easy” schedule if one were to go by the standard of the previous year’s opponents record. However, they played most of their toughest foes in the first half and limped out to a 2-10 start as Tyler Shough took over for Spencer Rattler, and the team finished strong. In 2026 – at least in Week 1 – it looks like a similar situation. While the Saints are ranked as having the second-easiest slate, it couldn’t start much tougher, as they will travel north to face the Detroit Lions. We will update the schedule as we get news Thursday – before and after the official release later this evening. Here’s what we know thus far (all leaks from progrid.org unless otherwise stated): Week 1: at Detroit Lions Division: NFC North Coach: Dan Campbell, 6th season Last year: 9-8, missed playoffs Record the past 3 seasons: 36-15 All-time series: Saints lead, 14-13-1 Last meeting: Lions won, 33-28, on Dec.…