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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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 18 NFL Player Props
Week 18 NFL Player Props After a three-week winning streak, we finally failed to produce a profitable week in Week 17, finishing 3-4 (-1.2 Units). Fortunately, we are still 51-39 (+12.6 Units) on the 2023 NFL campaign with just one final week to go before the postseason! The FullTime Fantasy Week 18 NFL Player Props looks to conclude the regular season with another winning week. As always, I will list my seven favorite player props of the week as we gear up for Week 18’s slate of NFL matchups. All 32 teams will be in action and the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins will close out the week on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Fantasy football owners have an edge when it comes to prop betting because we are so in tune with individual player performances. Finally, 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 18 NFL player props, and continue our profitable NFL season. FullTime Fantasy’s Playoff Fantasy Football Contests Play 1 or play all 3! YOU decide! Emil Kadlec Bestball Playoff Challenge — A FREE Single-Entry contest. Maui Madness Playoff Pick’Em — ($25 or a 5-pack for $100) Playoff Draft World Championship $229 with NEW and improved league prizes! Dak Prescott UNDER 274.5 Passing Yards (-110) It’s tough to bet against Prescott when he’s playing a 4-12 Commanders squad that has allowed at least 27 points in seven consecutive outings but this is a complicated wager. The 11-5 Cowboys can clinch the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the conference with a victory on Sunday but they also need to be disciplined and scoreboard watching. The Cowboys have a playoff game next week no matter what so the most important thing for Dallas is keeping its stars healthy. If Dallas gets out to a quick lead as I suspect they will, they should lean heavily on the run. Subsequently, Tony Pollard will attempt to bleed as much of the clock as possible and if Dallas has a three-possession lead late in the second half, it would be wise for the Cowboys to bench Prescott to keep him healthy for their postseason run. Although Prescott is capable of smashing this number every single week, particularly with the meteoric rise of CeeDee Lamb, I expect the Cowboys to have such a comfortable lead that Prescott won’t even finish the game. Take the Under. Justin Fields OVER 52.5 Rushing Yards (-120) The Bears may not have a shot at the postseason but don’t think that Justin Fields has nothing to play for as his career with Chicago’s franchise is potentially on the line. This could be his last opportunity to showcase his talent as the Bears could decide to replace Fields in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fields didn’t need any extra motivation against a division rival such as the Packers but now he has it. Back in the first week of the season, Fields surpassed this line during these teams’ first meeting. And since returning from injury, he’s averaged 65.6 rushing yards per game over the past six games. He only managed to average 39.5 rushing yards per game over his first six games. Considering he’s the team’s best rusher, it’s no surprise that the Bears are letting him run with the rock more. The kid is electric and explosive. Finally, Fields can play spoiler and knock the Packers out of the NFL Playoffs. I expect him to ball out in this one and think he will easily surpass this line given Chicago’s options in the backfield. Take the Over. Bijan Robinson OVER 57.5 Rushing Yards (-115) Robinson has had no problem clearing this number in each of his previous two outings and despite a matchup with a very tough New Orleans Saints defense, I anticipate the Falcons to lean on their star running back when their season is on the line this week. Although the Falcons coaching staff often leaves me scratching my head, I think they know that their best chances at winning are by getting the ball in the electric rookie’s hands. In Week 16, Bijan produced 72 rushing yards and last week against the Bears, he tallied 75 yards on the ground. Perhaps more importantly, B-Rob motored for 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in his previous and only meeting with the Saints. New Orleans has a very stout front seven but I think Robinson gets it done with this low line. Jahmyr Gibbs OVER 58.5 Rushing Yards (-110) Contract incentives can sometimes play a role in finding valuable player props. Interestingly enough, Gibbs needs 85 rushing yards to reach the 1,000 mark while teammate David Montgomery needs 25 more rushing yards. They could become just the eighth duo of teammates to each 1,000 rushing yards in a season. Of course, 85 rushing yards is a lot so that might not happen but I am betting on Gibbs’ motivation to at least get close to that number. The rookie has had a great campaign and has been one of the most explosive backs in the entire NFL since Halloween. During that nine-game span, Gibbs is averaging 74.2 rushing yards per game. And this week, he faces a Minnesota Vikings defense that was dominated by Aaron Jones and Green Bay’s offensive line last week. Jones finished with 120 yards. Over the past three weeks, Green Bay has surrendered 133.3 rushing yards per game. While Montgomery might get some of the short-yardage opportunities, I think Dan Campbell has figured out that Gibbs is the more talented playmaker and Gibbs should see 15+ touches on Sunday. Also, he tends to rip off big runs so I expect no different against a Vikings team that has nothing left to play for. Justin Jefferson OVER 87.5 Receiving Yards (-110) Jefferson hasn’t had the season he was hoping for; between an injury to his star quarterback
Week 16 DFS: Running Back Report
Week 16 DFS: Running Back Report Christian McCaffrey (41.70) led Week 15 in fantasy scoring, giving him 100.40 fantasy points in his two games vs. the Cardinals. James Cooks (36.10) posted the runner-up scores, followed by Kyren Williams (26.80). Six
Christian McCaffrey (41.70) led Week 15 in fantasy scoring, giving him 100.40 fantasy points in his two games vs. the Cardinals. James Cooks (36.10) posted the runner-up scores, followed by Kyren Williams (26.80). Six other running backs scored between 20.00 and 25.00 fantasy points in PPR scoring. Here are the top five backs by scoring average after 15 weeks:
- Christian McCaffrey (25.36)
- Raheem Mostert (18.34)
- Travis Etienne (16.91)
- Rachaad White (16.24)
- Alvin Kamara (15.62)
Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 16 DFS QB Report.
Top Tier Options
Rachaad White, TB (DK – $7,400/FD – $7,700)
White comes into this week as the highest-priced running back due to the highest options not playing on the main slate on Sunday. He scored seven touchdowns over the past seven games, gaining 765 yards with 21 catches (20.79 FPPG in DraftKings scoring). White averaged 21.57 touches over this span. His only game with more than 20.00 fantasy points at home came in Week 2 (21.30).
The Jaguars slipped to 17th in running back defense (23.16 FPPG), with three teams scoring more than 30.00 fantasy points. Over the past six weeks, they allowed seven touchdowns to rushers with fading value defending the run (168/816 – 4.9 yards per carry). Running backs have 94 catches for 654 yards and one score on 115 targets.
The Bucs’ offense played better over the past two weeks (nine touchdowns and four field goals over 21 possessions) while playing six of their last eight games on the road. White comes off back-to-back 20+ fantasy points game while trending much higher in the run game over his previous four matchups (15/100, 20/84/1, 25/102, and 21/89 – 4.6 yards per rush). He has a solid floor and an untapped ceiling. The SHARPS will ride this BAMF to the winner circle in Week 16.
Bijan Robinson, ATL (DK – $6,500/FD – $7,100)
In the most crucial week in the season-long games in the high-stakes market, Robinson gave his fantasy supporters…
WHO ELSE DOES SHAWN THINK ARE MUST-PLAY OPTIONS THIS WEEK?…
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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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Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 1
Welcome to the 2023 NFL season! To kick off another glorious campaign, the NFL schedule makers did us a solid by matching up two of the league’s top offensive clubs. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs will host the upstart
With Travis Kelce ailing, there is some uncertainty about this game. That has caused some books to remove this contest altogether. However, Kansas City is still a 6.5 -point favorite. The total dipped a point to 52.5.
Subsequently, we will update our preview when there is clarity. Until then, here is FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 1 with fantasy tips, DFS picks, and our best bet.
Matchup
| TEAM | OFFENSE | PASS | RUSH | YDS/PLAY | POINTS |
| Detroit Lions | 4 | 8 | 11 | 4 | 3 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 1 | 1 | 20 | 1 | 1 |
* above ranks are from the 2022 season
Starting in Week 2, teams playing on Thursday are disadvantaged by playing on short rest. However, that doesn’t apply in Week One. Both high-powered offenses are well-rested. This game still boasts the highest over/under total for the slate.
The fantasy football ramifications for this one can’t be understated. Both the Chiefs and Lions fielded top-5 offenses last season. Also, fantasy football rosters are peppered with skill position players from both squads.
Andy Reid is noted for success with extra time to prepare. Reid’s teams are 27-4 after a bye. The Chiefs have won eight consecutive season openers under Reid and are 9-1 overall in Week 1. In those eight victories, Kansas City has averaged a whopping 36.4 points per game.
That is going to be a real problem for Dan Campbell’s Lions. Detroit hasn’t won in Week 1 since 2017. However, that hasn’t been all bad from a fantasy perspective. Detroit might be 0-2 under Campbell in Week One, but the Lions have averaged 34 points per game.
With that history and the abundance of skill position talent on both sides, the 2023 season should get off to a bang. Subsequently, this is a game with major fantasy ramifications.
How will Thursday’s Lions vs. Chiefs game go?
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Fulltime’s Breakout Player of the Year
August has arrived, which means another glorious fantasy football season is upon us. FullTime Fantasy’s world-renowned Draft Kit is loaded with exclusive content to help you crush your upcoming draft. Part of that includes naming the FullTime Fantasy staff Fantasy
We’re defining our breakout player as a player who is poised to exceed their ADP and is set to enter ELITE status. Also, this player will be a real difference-maker that will command first-round status next season. Normally, a breakout would be a veteran poised to have his best season. However, in 2023, we’re going in a different direction…
WHO IS THE PLAYER CURRENTLY GOING IN ROUND 4 WITH FIRST-ROUND 1 UPSIDE?
FIND OUT WHO IS FULLTIME FANTASY’S BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR…
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2023 Preseason Pro: Jody Smith (Free)
NFL training camps are underway. That means the fantasy football draft season has finally arrived! Our annual Flagship Feature is called Preseason Pro. This 2023 Preseason Pro: Jody Smith serves as an introduction to the exclusive insight you can find only at FullTime Fantasy. Here at FullTime Fantasy, we’ve assembled the very best high-stakes players in the world; 5 of the Top 10 World-Ranked players, and one of the top RANKERS in the country — to help you win your Fantasy Football league. Nobody else in the industry can bring you this type of information. Also, we host the Fantasy Football World Championships and these players are gracious enough to lend us a hand to help promote the very best content in the industry. Each of them is putting their reputation on the line for all to see and is providing us with their: ONE Top Sleeper, ONE Breakout, ONE Bust ONE Comeback, and ONE late-round Stash & Cash. to help you with your upcoming draft. However- it’s only one per category! They don’t know what anyone else has submitted so you’re getting the unvarnished gut check from the very best players in the world. High rollers have offered some of them literally hundreds of dollars for this kind of private advice. And that’s just for just one opinion. Here you’re getting no less than SEVEN, and Preseason Pro continues to be the elite product of the fantasy season. This year’s Preseason Pro picks are included FREE with your FullTime Fantasy Membership! What makes their opinion so worthy? Simple. They win. Year in and year out they’re winners. While some may ask, “Why would they help me?”, there is no question that when their pride and integrity are on the line, they step up and make bold calls to help others. When we have questions on Sunday, this is who we call. We’re essentially bringing our high-stakes connections to FullTime Fantasy. When your league is on the line, who do you trust? A magazine that contains out-of-date news? No. Those days are over. Not all experts are considered equal. Starting with Jody Smith who has more than 12 years of content experience. Jody was also previously Fantasy Pro’s Most Accurate Rankings Expert. Also, Jody topped the betting leaderboards in 2020 and submitted the 8th-most accurate draft rankings in 2021! Finally, Jody was way ahead of the consensus last season on Travis Etienne and Evan Engram. Let’s see what he forecasts this year with our 2023 Preseason Pro: Jody Smith. — BREAKOUT — Rachaad White (RB) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – It’s a new era in Tampa. Without Tom Brady, the Buccaneers are projected to be one of the worst teams in football. However, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be fantasy production in Tampa Bay. Last year’s overall RB12, Leonard Fournette, is no longer wearing pewter. That means sophomore running back Rachaad White is this unquestioned starter in 2023. Plus, the Bucs didn’t add any competition via the 2023 NFL Draft. This is White’s backfield and he fared well with an extended look to ramp up his rookie campaign. In his final eight games, White averaged 11.3 touches and 65 scrimmage yards per contest. Even splitting touches with Fournette, White still posted RB35 numbers as a rookie. A large part of that production came from targets. White ranked 11th among running backs with 50 receptions. However, Fournette ranked third with 73. The vast majority of those targets will now be intended for White. Rachaad White saw a target on 12.4% of his snaps in 2022, the 4th highest among RBs with 300+ snaps and just between Christian McCaffrey (12.5%) and Rhamondre Stevenson (12.2%)pic.twitter.com/N7cYbhJaCR — Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) July 20, 2023 Of course, the Bucs won’t throw as much with Baker Mayfield under center. However, Mayfield has a history of peppering running backs with targets. Tampa Bay should see plenty of favorable game scripts for the passing attack. White is a dark horse to lead running backs in targets. That gives him real breakout potential in season two. — SLEEPER — Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery (RB) Detroit Lions – The rebuilt Lions are no longer pushovers in the competitive NFC North. Fresh off a 9-8 campaign, Detroit is poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The biggest part of the turnaround was from the club’s offense. Detroit ranked fourth overall in yards and fifth in points scored. They also rushed for 22 touchdowns a year ago- third-most in football. And after spending the 12th overall pick on electric Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs, the 2023 Lions could be even more potent. In fact, the club was so enamored with Gibbs that they sent D’Andre Swift to Philadelphia. Swift posted RB17 numbers in PPR points per game last season. However, Gibbs is actually a better NFL prospect. Gibbs posted an elite 99th percentile 4.37-second 40-yard dash. He also forced a ton of missed tackles and showcased superlative footwork. PFF graded Gibbs as a top-10 pass-catching running back last season. I envision Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson utilizing Gibbs in a similar fashion as Swift. However, Gibbs is more explosive and less likely to be felled by the nagging injuries that hampered Swift throughout his Detroit tenure. Dating back to 2006, 10 of the 13 running backs selected inside the top 12 posted RB2 numbers or better in Year One. Also, Gibbs has already impressed with first-team reps this summer. He has a very good shot at posting top-10 numbers right away. As for David Montgomery, this staff proved last year that there is plenty of room for two backs. Detroit rushed for 2,179 yards and 23 scores. “No. 2” back Jamaal Williams ran for 1,066 yards and an NFL-high 17 touchdowns. Montgomery is a better receiver than Williams and also weighs 225 pounds. Montgomery should be able to parlay that same role into another solid fantasy campaign. Last season, Montgomery ranked 14th among all running backs with 17 touches (6 TDs) inside his opponent’s 10-yard line. He
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?
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