NFL 2018: NFC North – Projected Starters – Fantasy Football

Detroit Lions

NFL: DEC 31 Packers at Lions

QB – Matthew Stafford

Stafford has ditched the ‘injury prone’ tag that he’d acquired in his first few seasons, by not missing a game in the last 7 seasons. He’s a solid starter for fantasy purposes, as he’s locked in for over 4000 passing yards every year. His current ADP has him going at around the 100th pick.

RB1 – Kerryon Johnson

Johnson joins somewhat of a backfield committee in Detroit, but I see him securing the early down work before the regular season starts. The product out of Auburn was selected in the second round by the Lions, who traded up to get their man. Teams don’t usually spend that amount of draft capital, without giving the player a shot at the starters job.

RB2 – LeGarrette Blount

Blount, who has won consecutive SuperBowl rings with New England and Philadelphia, signed with the Lions in Free Agency, before the draft. He is likely to get some goal-line work as the power back and will be fantasy relevant in deeper fantasy leagues. I don’t see Blount getting too many carries if Johnson excels, especially as Theo Riddick will come in on passing downs.

WR1 – Marvin Jones Jr

Jones had a strong 2017 season for the Lions, finishing as a WR1 by being the 11th ranked Wide Receiver on the season. He showed his excellent catching ability by having one of the best catch rates on contested catches, in the league. I can see Jones replicating last season’s tally of 9 TDs, whilst improving on his 61 catches.

WR2 – Golden Tate

Tate is a great PPR option, finishing just 1 place behind Jones in last years rankings. He caught 92 passes and recorded over 1000 receiving yards. He is locked in as Stafford’s slot receiver and favourite target, meaning he will have another productive year in terms of fantasy points.

WR3 – Kenny Golladay

Golladay showed good promise in his rookie year, despite suffering with niggling injuries. HIs excellent route running should see him gaining more than the 48 targets he received last year. He will only be relevant in deeper leagues.

TE – Luke Willson

Willson was brought in from Seattle and should replace the departed Eric Ebron, as the TE1 in the Lions offense. Stafford hasn’t been known to produce high scoring fantasy tight ends, and I don’t see this season being any different. Willson is little more than an occasional plug and play option in 12 team leagues.