2025 Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview
2025 Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview Preceding Washington, head coach Dan Campbell showed how much difference one person can make in reinventing a franchise. The Lions’ 2025 offseason was a calculated effort to build on their 15-2 season and NFC No. 1 seed, despite a playoff loss to the Commanders. Camebll and GM Brad Holmes prioritized depth to address 2024’s injury-plagued defense (ranked 18th in EPA/play), while new offensive coordinator John Morton replaced Ben Johnson, bringing a less trick-play-heavy scheme (10.8% play-action rate). With $40M in cap space, Holmes made strategic signings, re-signings, and drafted seven players, focusing on the defensive line and secondary. Key losses like Carlton Davis and Za’Darius Smith were offset by health recoveries (Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill) and additions like D.J. Reed. Jared Goff is locked in as the starter, with a 69.2% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt. He comes off a career-best 4,629 passing yards and a 37-touchdown season. It resulted in an overall QB9 finish. But losing Johnson is a concern. Goff should be viewed as a borderline fantasy QB1, but expect some regression. RBs Jahmyr Gibbs (1,929 total yards, 20 TD) and David Montgomery (1,076 yards, 11 TDs) form an elite tandem. The unit’s 4.9 yards per carry (6th in NFL) thrives in Morton’s zone-heavy run game, with Gibbs’ 5.4 yards after contact driving explosiveness. The Lions are expected to stick with their successful rotation, with Gibbs having an outside shot at repeating last year’s overall RB1 finish. Montgomery is a solid RB2 who comes with a significant discount. Amon-Ra St. Brown saw his targets and catch numbers dip, but retained top-5 value thanks to a career-best 12 touchdown grabs. With two straight overall WR3 finishes and a WR7 showing in 2022, St. Brown is one of the safest first-round bets in all of fantasy. Jameson Williams was the subject of trade rumors but will be back as the club’s No. 2. Williams broke 1,000 yards and ranked 12th in yards after catch despite ranking just 51st in target share (18.9 percent). Second-round pick Isaiah TeSlaa will push Tim Patrick for WR3 duties. Whoever wins that job has sneaky late-round sleeper appeal. Under Johnson, Detroit ranked third (32.2 percent) in utilizing 12 formations. However, Sam LaPorta is the real star here, ranking 6th in receiving yards (726), 3rd in deep targets (9), and 5th with 19 red-zone targets. LaPorta didn’t replicate his rookie totals, but is still an elite option who will come with a discounted price. Fantasy Grade: A QB Goff, Jared, DET [QB1] Everything peaked for Jared Goff last year, but the loss of OC Ben Johnson complicates his chances of matching his career-best numbers. Goff ranked 6th in QBR (68.4) and 3rd in red zone attempts per game, benefiting from Detroit’s aggressive offensive scheme. While he offers minimal rushing upside, his consistency is bolstered by elite weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. The Lions’ 2025 QB strength of schedule ranks 17th, suggesting a neutral but manageable slate. Despite the departure of Johnson, Goff remains a reliable weekly starter in most formats. ADVICE: Unlikely to repeat last year’s numbers, but capable of being a low-end QB1. RB Gibbs, Jahmyr, DET [RB1] It was Jahmyr Gibbs, not Saquon Barkley, who led all running backs in total fantasy points. Gibbs produced 1,912 scrimmage yards and led the league with 20 total touchdowns. With David Montgomery sidelined, Gibbs feasted in Weeks 16-18, accumulating 487 scrimmage yards and scoring six touchdowns to secure countless fantasy championships. Montgomery will be back, but Gibbs scored more than 12 fantasy points in every game, giving him the highest floor of any player. That makes him, arguably, the safest bet to warrant consideration for the fantasy 1.01. ADVICE: The reigning RB1 is poised to post top-3 fantasy numbers once again in his third season. RB Montgomery, David, DET [RB2] David Montgomery delivered a strong 2024 campaign, finishing as the RB18 in PPR formats despite missing three games due to a torn MCL. He accumulated 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries, complemented by 36 receptions for 341 yards, averaging 15.8 PPR points per game, which ranked 16th among running backs. Montgomery’s role as Detroit’s primary goal-line back remained secure, even with Jahmyr Gibbs’ increased involvement. The Lions’ high-powered offense, averaging 32.8 points per game, provided ample scoring opportunities. With a full recovery expected for 2025, Montgomery should continue to be a reliable RB2 option, particularly in non-PPR and half-PPR formats. ADVICE: Steady producer who remains a strong RB2. WR St. Brown, Amon-Ra, DET [WR1] St. Brown delivered another incredible season in 2024. He was the WR3 in total and per-game scoring while also leading the NFL in red-zone receptions. However, his target share dipped to 23 percent over the final seven games. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for Chicago, and that could be cause for concern. Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta pose significant threats to St. Brown’s target share in 2025, possibly capping upside. St. Brown is talented and has a rapport with QB Jared Goff that is undeniable, and that should be enough to keep him in the elite WR1 conversation. ADVICE: Reliable WR1–Look to draft in the late first/early second. WR Williams, Jameson, DET [WR2] There were rumors that Jameson Williams was on the trade block, but returning to the Lions keeps the fourth-year speedster in the upside WR2 conversation. Williams broke out in 2024 (58 receptions, 1,001 yards, eight total TDs in 15 games). His 17.3 yards per catch and 21-percent target share (post-suspension) highlight elite efficiency, ranking 3rd in YAC per reception. Despite a crowded offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, new OC John Morton projects a “huge” season. Williams’ boom-or-bust nature (seven top-24 weeks) and a potential role shift under Morton make him a WR3 with WR1 upside. Draft as a top-30 wideout in 2025. ADVICE: High-upside weekly WR2/3 with potential to score from anywhere on the field. WR TeSlaa, Isaac, DET [WR3] A
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14 The fantasy postseason push opens with a premiere game between NFC North contenders. Coincidentally, both teams played last Thursday and come off a full allotment of rest. This should be an exciting game, loaded
The fantasy postseason push opens with a premiere game between NFC North contenders. Coincidentally, both teams played last Thursday and come off a full allotment of rest. This should be an exciting game, loaded with fantasy-relevant players. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14 covers all fantasy-relevant for the game.
The Green Bay Packers have won three straight and sit at 9-3. Matt LaFleur’s squad is 4-1 on the road but has struggled against NFC North foes, posting a 1-2 record in divisional play. One of those defeats came one month ago against these same Lions. Evening the score is crucial for the Packers to remain in the hunt for the top overall seed.
Meanwhile, the Lions keep rolling. Detroit has won 10 consecutive games and leads the NFL in scoring. The Lions have been particularly potent at home, where Dan Campbell’s team is averaging over 35 points per game.
Vegas is predicting a good one. Detroit is favored by just 3.5 points and the total of 51.5 is the highest figure of the Week 14 slate.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| Green Bay Packers | 3 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| Detroit Lions | 2 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
These two NFC North rivals are closely matched. They have evenly split their last 10 meetings. Both teams are top-3 in overall offense, top-5 in rushing, and are among the three most potent big-play units.
They are also fairly even on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions allow the second-fewest points per game while Green Bay is 10th. Both squads are top eight against the run, which is a fascinating dynamic with both teams running the ball exceptionally well on offense.
In fact, in their last 10 matchups, these two teams are separated by just .1 yards per rush.
Green Bay and Detroit have a combined record of 30-6. Half of those losses came to NFC North foes.
Green Bay won 29-22 at Ford Field last season and the Lions are looking for payback in a statement game.
Should be a good one.
Green Bay Offense
The Packers lost at home to Detroit last month 24-14. However, the Packers largely beat themselves with a pick-6, six drops, and…
How will Thursday’s Packers vs. Lions game go?
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Oddsmakers List Veteran WR To Lead NFL In Receptions
Oddsmakers List Veteran WR To Lead NFL In Receptions The latest in our series of highlighting players that are witnessing noteworthy recognition by oddsmakers results in focusing on an emerging fourth-year wideout who is shockingly being predicted to lead the NFL in receptions in 2024. SERIES: Big Expectations For Rookie RB | Elite RB Vegas is Fading | RB Ascending Up Early Draft Boards | WR Who May Struggle To Fulfill ADP value A major component of my success playing high-stakes fantasy football at the FFWC is incorporating player projections of oddsmakers into my NFL model. I began creating my model back in 2010 when I created the only over-the-counter DFS program offered to date in a Las Vegas sportsbook. The Best of the Best Despite being listed by oddsmakers in the top two spots to lead the league in receiving yards (1,375.5) and touchdowns (9.5), CeeDee Lamb and Tyreek Hill do not hold that honor in the receptions market. Instead, that distinction belongs to Lions star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Fresh off career highs in receptions (119), yards (1,510), and touchdowns (10) the talented wide receiver is being power-ranked by oddsmakers stunningly ahead of both Lamb and Hill. Brown, who finished tied for second last season with Hill hauling in 119 receptions, owns the highest betting projection for catches in 2024 at 107.5. Lamb, who led the NFL last season with 135 catches, is listed at 105.5 followed by Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson all owning a betting demand of 100.5. AMON-RA ST. BROWN 70-YARD TD 📺: #MINvsDET on FOX 📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/rUyhJjUi0c — NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024 Obviously, fantasy managers are high on the high-powered Lions offense investing premium draft capital in ASB in early FFWC drafts. The elite WR1 owns an ADP of 5.3 / WR4 never coming off the board lower than 1.8. ASB, a near consensus Top 5 pick in re-drafts, as well as New York Jets star wideout Garrett Wilson, joined exclusive company after impressive 2023 campaigns. Prior to last season only four wide receivers since 2000 had recorded 175-plus catches and 2,000-plus receiving yards across their first two seasons: Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr, Michael Thomas, and Jaylen Waddle. It should be no shock to see both ASB and Wilson come off the board early in the first round of drafts. VEGAS ODDSMAKERS PREDICTING ELITE PRODUCTION A deeper dive reveals that ASB scored double-digit fantasy points in 16 of 17 regular season games last season on the strength of nine 100-plus yard receiving efforts as well as 13 games of six-plus receptions. Only one word describes that: ELITE. Oddsmakers, who initially installed ASB with a receiving yards betting projection of 1200.5, have adjusted the 24-year-old wideout up to a betting demand of 1250.5 at DraftKings. While only moving his projection minimally, the most highlighted move involves listing ASB ahead of Lamb, Hill, and Chase in the overall receptions betting market at 107.5. “Anytime a player is listed above the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Ja’Marr Chase, in any betting market, fantasy managers need to take note.” – Frankie Taddeo While ASB has displayed he can “flip or leap” defenders on the field, he still has not been able to leapfrog Lamb or CMC in any recent Circa Championship draft this summer – finding a peak of 1.3 overall. Amon-Ra St. Brown flips his way to a three-possession lead ‼️ 📺: #DENvsDET on @NFLNetwork 📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/vtmfEKvOLy pic.twitter.com/kw1DwqjVEs — NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023 ASB has proved to be extremely durable playing at least 16 games in all three of his seasons in the NFL and his production has increased every year. His receptions have improved from 90 to 106 to 119, his yards from 912 to 1,161 to 1,515, and his receiving touchdowns from 5 to 6 to 10. That trajectory tells us Jared Goff’s top target is primed for new career highs especially if he receives 145-plus targets for the third straight campaign. ASB (28.6%) led the team in target share followed by tight end Sam LaPorta (20.9%). After those elite receiving weapons there was a massive drop off as no other Lions player finished above 12%. That trend should continue again in 2024 as the current Detroit wideout depth chart consisting of Kalif Raymond, Jameson Williams, Tre’Quan Smith, and Donovan Peoples-Jones pose no real threats to derail his alpha target demand. Last season the Lions ranked 5th in points scored (461), 3rd in total offense (6,712 yards), 2nd in offensive touchdowns (57), and fourth in points per drive (2.42). Fantasy managers, picking in the middle of the first round of drafts, should invest in shares of ASB as he will be playing in a prolific Top 5 NFL offense in 2024 – more importantly, owning the majority of the target share. For the past 15 years, Football Contest Proxy has provided the leading service to submit picks in major Las Vegas football contests from anywhere in the world and built FootballContest.com into the top online destination for football contest info. All you need to do to enter is sign up in person sometime before football season kicks off. FCP does the rest as your proxy – it really is that easy. Simply plan your trip to Vegas and schedule a time with FCP to get signed up for whatever contest(s) you want to enter. As a proxy partner of FullTimeFantasy, you can also SAVE $50 through September 2 by clicking here. Just enter promo code FANTASY at checkout for instant savings, so make your best pick and go with the pros at FootballContest.com!
2024 Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview
2024 Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview In Detroit, the ‘Lovable Losers’ moniker has been replaced by a sense of bravado courtesy of head coach Dan Campbell. Last season, the Lions maintained a three-score lead at halftime of the NFC title game
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Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report Amari Cooper (11/265/2) delivered a difference-maker in the fantasy postseason for the first time in his NFL career, ranking first in wide receiver scoring (51.50) in Week 16. The change to Mason Rudolph at
Amari Cooper (11/265/2) delivered a difference-maker in the fantasy postseason for the first time in his NFL career, ranking first in wide receiver scoring (51.50) in Week 16. The change to Mason Rudolph at quarterback gave George Pickens (4/195/2) the best outcome in his short NFL career. Puka Nacua (9/1801) was the third-ranked wideout for the week. Twelve wide receivers scored between 20.00 and 29.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five players by scoring average after 16 weeks:
- Tyreek Hill (22.87)
- CeeDee Lamb (21.90)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (18.83)
- A.J. Brown (18.76)
- Keenan Allen (18.69)
Also, before we get into the Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report and RB Report.
Top-Tier Options
Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $8,800/FD – $9,200)
Over the past two weeks, with Nick Mullens starting at quarterback, Jefferson averaged 22.25 fantasy points in DraftKings scoring with one edge game (6/141/1). The Vikings looked his way 20 times while attempting 70 passes. He posted four stud games (9/150, 11/159, 7/149/1, and 6/85/2) to start the season (28.33 FPPG). In 2022, Jefferson posted a dominating game (9/184/2) at home vs. the Packers but an empty showing (1/15) on the road.
Green Bay drifted to 15th in wide receiver defense (218/2,522/13 on 322 targets). The only offense to solve their pass coverage vs. wideouts was the Chargers (32/415/2). Their defense did show regression in points allowed over the past two matchups (27 and 30 points), leading to 34 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets (CIN and DET). CB Jaire Alexander has been suspended for this game, putting the Vikings’ wideouts in a better position for success.
Jefferson does get a nick in his profile in Week 17, with Jaren Hall starting for the Vikings. He’s been on the field for 22 plays in his rookie season, leading to eight completions on 10 passing attempts for 101 yards. Over his last two seasons at BYU, Hall gained 6,409 yards with 57 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 22 games. He will move the chains with his legs (148/655/6).
Tyreek Hill, MIA (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,800)
After missing Week 16, the Dolphins had Hill on the field for 85% of the snaps against Dallas. He caught…
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Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report All five of the top receivers in Week 15 ranked outside of the top 20 coming into the week. Jordan Addison (29.10) posted the high score in fantasy points in PPR formats, followed by
All five of the top receivers in Week 15 ranked outside of the top 20 coming into the week. Jordan Addison (29.10) posted the high score in fantasy points in PPR formats, followed by Jaylen Waddle (28.20) and Terry McLaurin (26.10). No wideout scored more than 30.00 fantasy points for the second week all year. Twelve other wide receivers scored between 20.00 and 26.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five players by scoring average after 15 weeks:
- Tyreek Hill (23.15)
- CeeDee Lamb (21.66)
- Keenan Allen (20.03)
- A.J. Brown (19.10)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (18.13)
Also, before we get into the Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report and RB Report.
Elite Option
CeeDee Lamb, DAL (DK – (9,200/FD – $9,400)
Lamb has a touchdown in six consecutive games (seven total) while offering elite stats over his last eight starts (69/897/9 – 27.96 FPPG in DraftKings scoring). On the downside, he has been a weaker option in 2023 on the road (43/597/2 on 58 targets over seven games – 13.02 FPPG) than at home (28.51 FPPG). His best two games away from Dallas came in Week 6 (7/117) and Week 9 (11/191).
Miami played better defensively over their last five games (13, 13, 15, 28, and 0 points allowed), except for a late fourth quarterback collapse vs. the Titans (two touchdowns over the final three minutes). The Dolphins are about league average vs. wideouts (185/282/13 on 282 targets), with struggles in three games (DEN – 18/257/1, BUF – 13/209/4, LV – 18/209/1). CB Xavien Howard (40/425/2 on 63 targets per PRR) may miss this week’s game with a hip issue. Lamb will most likely see CB Kader Kohou (62/630/6 on 73 targets) in coverage for a good portion of his routes due to him working out of the slot.
The hot hand theory favors Lamb again in this game, but Dak Prescott hasn’t been the same player on the road. Better weather in Miami is a plus, and the Cowboys will need to throw the ball better this week if they expect to compete for a win. Unfortunately, Lamb will be a challenging fit for a DFS lineup in Week 16.
Second Tier Options
Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $8,100/FD – $9,200)
Jefferson started with four productive games (9/150, 11/159, 7/149/1, and 6/85/2). He averaged 11.75 targets, leading to…
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Week 11 NFL Player Props
Week 11 NFL Player Props For the first time this season, we didn’t have a profitable week. In Week 10, we finished 3-4 (-1.5 Units) and are now 31-24 (+8.8 Units) on the 2023 season. It’s time to get back
Week 11 NFL Player Props
For the first time this season, we didn’t have a profitable week. In Week 10, we finished 3-4 (-1.5 Units) and are now 31-24 (+8.8 Units) on the 2023 season. It’s time to get back in the winning column after a tough week with our Week 11 NFL Player Props.
As always, I will be listing my seven favorite player props as we prepare for Week 11’s slate of NFL action. Unlike last week when several high-powered offenses were on bye weeks such as the reigning AFC and NFC Champions, Week 11’s bye belongs to four mediocre teams: the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and the abysmal New England Patriots.
Fantasy football owners have an edge when it comes to prop betting because we are so in tune with individual player performances. As always, remember to odds shop at your different sportsbooks to find the best values for the prop bets listed below. Now, let’s get down to business and find the best Week 11 NFL player prop bets and continue our profitable NFL season.
Bryce Young OVER 34.5 pass attempts (-105)
The Panthers are now 10.5-point underdogs on the road against a filthy Dallas Cowboys defense. You might be wondering why I’d recommend this prop when Bryce Young has struggled so much and we’ve seen how dominant this Cowboys team can be. However, a blowout would result in Carolina playing catch-up and airing it out all night to try to even the score.
Dallas is 4-1 against the spread when laying at least six points this season and their average margin of victory in those four wins is 27.5 points (largely due to the New York Giants). Young is going to have to throw the ball if Carolina has any chance at keeping pace with Dallas’ high-octane offense.
It’s important to note that in every single game that Young started in which the Panthers lost by double digits, he attempted at least 38 passes. With the Panthers expected to fall behind big time in this game, the franchise will likely want to see what the No.1 pick in this year’s draft can do given this is already a lost season for the 1-8 Panthers. Even if they are down big, it’s hard to envision Young being benched. The team will want to further his development and not shake his confidence. Take the Over.
Will Levis…
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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4
Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4 There were some huge performances last week and Week 4 is getting off to a promising start as the Detroit Lions travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday
There were some huge performances last week and Week 4 is getting off to a promising start as the Detroit Lions travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 4 breaks down this week’s NFC North battle.
The Lions had a quiet showing on Sunday but were able to move to 2-1 by topping Atlanta. Detroit is optimistic that both LT Taylor Decker and RB David Montgomery will return for this game. Both would be welcomed additions in fantasy football circles.
Meanwhile, the Packers are also looking at substantial reinforcements. WR Christian Watson and RB Aaron Jones are expected to play. Detroit enters this game as 1.5-point favorites and the over/under has risen to 46.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| Detroit Lions | 8 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 12 |
| Green Bay Packers | 22 | 18 | 23 | 15 | 8 |
Similar to last season, Detroit boasts a potent and balanced offense. The Lions are capable of moving the ball on the ground or through the air quite well. They also protect the quarterback well and avoid turnovers.
However, Detroit tends to be much more potent at home. Also, the Packers have dominated this series at Lambeau, winning 21 of the last 25.
Green Bay’s offense stands out in one key area. Scoring touchdowns. The Packers rank fifth in the NFL in third down conversion rate. Also, they’re top-10 in offense and defense red-zone efficiency.
The Packers opened as slight favorites. However, the line has shifted to Detroit now being favored.
Detroit Offense
Jared Goff posted a 109.3 QB Rating and tossed 23 of his 29 touchdowns at home last season. Goff played well on the road in Week 1 and…
How will Thursday’s Lions vs. Packers game go?
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2023 Detroit Lions Team Outlook
2023 Detroit Lions Team Outlook The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player
2023 Detroit Lions Outlook
The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player preview of all 32 teams from football legend Shawn Childs.
Also, check out Jody Smith’s NFL offensive line rankings and exclusive 2023 Strength of Schedule analysis.
Up next in our extensive NFL and fantasy football preview series is Shawn’s deep dive into the 2023 Detroit Lions Outlook.
— Quarterback —
Jared Goff
When at his best with the Rams from 2017 to 2020, Goff went 42-20 with a trip to the Super Bowl in 2018. In 2019, he led the NFL in pass attempts (626).
In his first season with the Lions, Goff went 3-10-1 with three missed games with oblique and knee issues. He was on pace for 4,000 combined yards and 23 touchdowns while showing strength in his completion rate (67.2). His weakness came in his yards per pass attempt (6.6), which regressed for the third straight year. Goff passed for over 300 yards in only one matchup (338/3) in Week 1. Over his final 12 games, he had fewer than 225 passing yards in eight contests.
Goff almost matched my projection last year, leading to 4,511 combined yards with 29 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He had a slight pullback in his completion rate (65.1) while having an uptick in big plays (57 catches of 20 yards or more, with 12 reaching the 40-yard mark). Goff averaged 34.5 passes (6th) while almost working as a modified game manager.
Over his final nine starts, Goff didn’t throw an interception while delivering 15 touchdowns. Goff passed for more than 300 yards in five matchups (378/4, 321/1, 340/2, 330/3, and 355/3) while being a much better player at home (2,472/23) than on the road (1,966/6).
Fantasy Outlook: The suspension of Jameson Williams for six games eliminates one upside-receiving option for Detroit early in the year. However, they have one of the better possession receivers in the game. And Jahmyr Gibbs has a high pass-catching floor out of the backfield. The ceiling of Goff is tied to the development of Sam LaPorta and squeezing production out of his WR3 (Marvin Jones) and WR4 (Josh Reynolds). In the early draft season, he ranks 15th at quarterback in the high-stakes market, after finishing 9th in 2022 in fantasy points (340.10) in four-point passing touchdown leagues. I view Goff as a QB2 with his matchup value at home. More of the same with a push over 30 passing scores.
Hendon Hooker
Over four seasons in college, Hooker completed 67.0% of his passes for 8,974 yards with 80 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also had value in the run game (514/2,026/24). His completion rate improved each year while delivering 68 touchdowns and five interceptions over his final two seasons. Hooper has his best overall output in 2021 (3,665 combined yards with 36 touchdowns.
Fantasy Outlook: The Lions stated that they won’t use their rookie quarterback in 2023. They want him to get healthy, and a year on the bench will help him learn their offense.
Other Options: Nate Sudfeld, Adrian Martinez
— Running Backs —
The Lions’ running backs had an impressive season in 2022, even with a pullback in production in the passing game (82/685/4). Their backs led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (25) while setting three-year highs in rushing attempts (446), rushing yards (2,110), and yards per carry (4.7). They gained a combined 2,795 yards with 29 scores and 82 catches (31.5 FPPG in PPR formats).
Jahmyr Gibbs
Over three seasons at Alabama, covering 31 games, Gibbs gained 3,349 combined yards with 23 touchdowns and 104 catches on 483 touches. His best success came in 2022 (151/926/7 with 44 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns). Gibbs has a sensational three-game stretch midseason (63/463/5 plus 10 catches for 81 yards).
Fantasy Outlook: The Lions will give eight to touches a week while riding him more often when he has the hot hand. I expect Gibbs to lead the NFL in plays longer than 50 yards. His floor in catches looks electric, pointing to a chance at 80 receptions out of the gate. With 225 touches, I expect 1,400 combined yards with 10 scores. Based on his early ranking (15th) at running back, Gibbs should have a circle around his name. Think Jamaal Charles in the passing game, with Chris Johnson’s explosiveness as a runner.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT OUT OF THE LIONS IN 2023?
To finish reading Shawn’s in-depth 2023 team outlook, with in-depth offseason reports, projections, and fantasy outlooks for all players
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