Detroit Lions Fan Blog

The Lions open training camp on Wednesday. I’m psyched to see football return and it will be interesting to see how the team shapes up this summer. Like most of you, we are avid fantasy football geeks and the Lions have some really nice fantasy options to keep an eye on. So, for this off-season report, we’ll update you on the Detroit Lions fantasy impact players.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz knows how to rack up the points (and yardage) so this offense will not sneak under many fantasy radars. You can expect your competitors to follow these players closely. The Lions defense has not improved, and last year it was a disaster, so expect the offense to have to perform even better to keep the team in the game. We are very high on the Lions’ offensive potential this year.

At QB, look for Jon Kitna to improve on last year’s numbers. Last season, he started all 16 games for the Honolulu Blue and passed for over 4200 yards. He threw for 21 TDs, but he also gave up 22 interceptions. Mind you, some of those INTs were bobbled passes by his receivers (or wrong routes), and you also have to think that many of Kitna’s INTs were caused by forcing the ball to help the team come from behind. However, for Kitna and the Lions to turn their fortunes around, they will need to eliminate the turnovers. As long as Kitna is healthy, and his receivers perform as expected, we could see Kitna throw for 4400 yards, 26 TDs and 17 INTs. Not too shabby. He makes a passable #1 fantasy QB option, and a very nice backup. You might have to reach a bit to get him as your backup, but if your #1 QB (Peyton Manning for example) goes down, you’ll be glad to have Kitna and not some scrub.

The receivers on the Lions look poised for another great season. However, with rookie Calvin Johnson in the mix, Mike Furrey’s catches will likely drop. Furrey came out of nowhere last year to gain 1,000 receiving yards and 6 TDs. That might look good to some fantasy coaches on draft day. Don’t let it be you. We expect Furrey’s production to drop dramatically. 600 yards and 3 TDs sounds about right.

Roy Williams is a stud receiver and his rapport with Jon Kitna is excellent. Early in the season, defenses will double team Williams to force Kitna to work with Furrey and the rookie Calvin Johnson. Johnson is prepared to step right into the mix (we’ll get to him later) and Furrey should be up to the task as the #3 receiver. By mid-season, Williams should see defenses open up a bit, and by the end of the year we wouldn’t be surprised to see Roy total around 1400 receiving yards and haul in 9 TDs. He makes a fantastic #1 WR for your fantasy team. Look to grab him in rounds 4-5.

Newcomer WR Calvin Johnson is an early season favorite by oddsmakers to win Rookie Of The Year. That’s a tall order, especially for someone on the Lions. We aren’t buying the hype (remember Charles Rogers and Mike Williams?) but we think he will do way better than the bozos of the past. However, it will take some time for Johnson to fully grasp the Martz system. Look for 750-800 receiving yards and 4 TDs. He is not worth reaching for in most drafts, as many coaches will buy into the hype. Look for him to contribute as your #3 or #4 WRs in deep leagues, and hope for a surprise rookie season. CJ makes an especially nice choice in all dynasty leagues. Draft him and stash him on your bench.

At runningback, the situation looks murky. Martz likes having one all-around back that can do it all. Kevin Johnson is no Marshall Faulk though, and the Lions were wise to bring in Tatum Bell in the off-season. KJ is coming off a serious injury, and even if he is healthy by the start of the season (all indications are that he won’t), he certainly won’t be able to perform as well as last year.

We are eyeing Tatum Bell as a sleeper choice this year. Keep a close eye on how the RB situation shakes out this pre-season. If Bell is named the starter in Detroit, don’t be shy on drafting him as your #2 RB. If the Lions offense performs as well as we think they will, Bell could rack up 1100 rush yards and 400 receiving yards. 14-15 TDs would not be out of the ordinary. TJ Duckett was brought in to give some extra depth in the backfield, and he should contribute a bit in goal line situations. His value rises in TD only leagues.

Finally, we actually like Jason Hanson’s chances for comeback player of the year this year (if they give that award to kickers). The offense will certainly get it’s share of points and Hanson has a dynamite leg. He scored 117 points last year, and we are looking for more this year. Let all the big names kickers go off the board and grab him in the last round.

That’s it for our Off-Season Report. Don’t be shy to grab Lions players this year for your fantasy team. The offense will certainly be improved. As for the defense, don’t get me started. Good luck!