Last meeting
Drew Brees threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns as the Saints clobbered the host Lions, 42-7, in Week 16 of last season. The loss made Detroit the first 0-15 team in NFL history.
Streaks
The Lions have won three of the past four meetings. The overall series is tied 9-9-1.
Keep your eye on ...
Matthew Stafford's indoctrination: The first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft won the starting quarterback job over Daunte Culpepper in the preseason. That's not to say Stafford was flawless. He threw only one touchdown and four interceptions, but coach Jim Schwartz liked his chemistry with star WR Calvin Johnson.
The Saints' new defensive scheme: By hiring defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in the offseason, the Saints made clear they wanted a far more aggressive defense with a lot more blitzing (Williams has a reputation for attacking relentlessly). Facing a rookie quarterback in Stafford, expect to see a steady diet of exotic blitzes from the Saints.
Reggie Bush's knees: The Saints running back has been hindered by knee injuries the past two seasons and played sparingly in the preseason as a precaution. When healthy, Bush is one of the most explosive players on the field, but he has to show he can go through the opener unscathed before the Saints can rely on him to be a major part of the offense.
Did you know?
Detroit's Jason Hanson became the only kicker in league history to make six or more field goals from outside of 50 yards without a miss last season. He finished 8-for-8 from that distance. ... Saints S Darren Sharper has 11 interceptions against the Lions -- the most he's had against any team. ... The Saints led the league in total offense last year.
