This time of year there is only one thing on a sports fan's mind: Fantasy Football. So, with that, your friendly neighboorhood eDraft team is here to help. We will go team-by-team and break down all 32 teams, with in-depth analysis of top players, hidden gems, and projected busts. To check out the other breakdowns, as they become available, click here. Today, we break down the Detroit Lions.
A team who had high expectations with new running back Reggie Bush and first round pick Ziggy Ansah, and started out the seaon 5-3 with big wins over Chicago and Dallas. The team struggled after the bye-week winning only two games the rest of the season, and finishing third in the division. So, who are the fantasy leaders for this high powered offense? Make sure to read all the way through, and check out the top highlight of the Lions 2013 campaign.
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback
While Stafford’s career completion percentage is under 60, and is always in the high teens for interceptions, he is a terrific fantasy signal caller. The offense has gotten much better with new additions this offseason, that we will get to later. The past three seasons, Stafford has had at least 4,650 yards and 20 touchdowns every year. Stafford was a top-ten fantasy quarterback last year, with a pretty solid season. He had a stretch of five straight games with at least 18 points, with six games of over 20 the whole year. Stafford should be ranked pretty highly coming into this season, especially with new additions on the offensive side. A very good QB1 for any team.
Average Draft Position(ADP)- 43
Reggie Bush, Running Back
Every year, NFL fans are waiting for this guy to break out. He’s got the moves, it’s really a conundrum why he can’t pull it all together. Last year was only his second time going over 1,000 yards in his six-year career, and he barely even did it. What he lacks in rushing yards and stats, he makes up for in the passing game. He’s dynamic catching the ball out of the backfield. He caught 54 balls last year, the most he’s hauled in since the 2008 season with the Saints. He had seven total touchdowns in a banged up season in which he only played 14 games. Even with missing those two contests, he was still a top-15 running back in front of players like Frank Gore and Alfred Morris. He is a middle of the pack RB1 this season.
Average Draft Position(ADP)- 30
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver
What do you need to know about this guy, that you already don’t? The dude has just been a fantasy freak the past couple seasons. Sure, he was only ranked number three overall last year, behind Josh Gordon and Demaryius Thomas, but there is no denying that he’s the best wide out in the game. Since 2011, he has over 1,000 receiving yards more than the next closest receiver. He battled injuries throughout the year, which he got surgery on in the offseason, and still put up huge numbers. In 2013, he had seven games of 16 points or more, and had 12 touchdowns overall. He is a first round pick in any fantasy draft, and the best WR1 out there.
Average Draft Position(ADP)- 7
Golden Tate, Wide Receiver
Tate comes over from Seattle on a five-year deal, being arguable the best wide out on the market in the 2014 offseason. Tate has had 15 touchdowns over the last 3 years, combined with almost 2,000 yards receiving, which is pretty impressive for a run-oriented Seattle offense. Even in the run-heavy offense, Tate is one of the best deep threats in the league. He’s had a 50+ yard touchdown in three of his four seasons in the league. Last year, Tate led all receivers in vertical air yards per target, and was second in vertical yards per reception. The bad news for Tate is that he plays with Calvin Johnson, the only receiver that Stafford looks to. But, if Tate can get the ball in his hands, he’s a very solid WR2 option.
Average Draft Position(ADP)- 85
Eric Ebron, Tight End
The UNC product is coming into the league as easily the best tight end in his draft class. The pass-catching hybrid type tight end will be a big part of the Lions offense this season, especially with new offensive coordinator, Joe Lombardi. Lombardi used to coach some other tight end named Jimmy Graham, yeah, I have never heard of him either. Ebron could be a sneaky tight end for a fantasy team, and is a great tight end to have in a dynasty league. In regards to the Lions offense, Ebron said, “The options are-- It’s insane.”
Average Draft Position(ADP)-147
Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Joique Bell
Bell really broke out last season, with over 800 yards and eight touchdowns, but he could carry even more of a load this season. Bush is the sexier pick for any team, but Bell surely gets the job done. He is the more physical back, and will get most of the third down and goal-line carries. Bell’s knee injury might put a damper on his draft status, but he is still a very reliable RB2.
Average Draft Postion(ADP)- 71
Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: Reggie Bush
Brandon Pettigrew also qualifies for this illustrious award, but it’s pretty obvious that no one is drafting him. The re-signing of Joique Bell to a two-year deal, which pays him more than what they signed Bush to last year, shows the direction new coach Jim Caldwell wants to go. The Lions have a Buffalo Bills scenario on their hands, with two great backs, and having to figure out how to use them. Unless Bush can get big yards, his touchdowns could diminish with Bell getting the goal-line carries. Don’t expect a huge drop off, but in terms of “disappointment”, Bush is that guy.
How the Schedule Impacts Their Outlook- The Lions face good defenses in Carolina and New Orleans in the first seven weeks. They also get the much better Packers defense and the Jets before their bye-week. The second half looks a little brighter, with games against Tampa, Miami, and Chicago twice. The Lions rank right in the middle in terms of strength of schedule, 16th, with an opponents 2013 win percentage of .492.
Maybe the best finish to a game in the 2013 season--