Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford
The arrival of Matt Patricia as head coach seems to have marked a move towards the more balanced offense that’s eluded the Detroit Lions since Matthew Stafford was drafted. The 555 pass attempts in 2018 were the lowest mark of his career and a world away from the 727 passes that he threw in 2012. If Stafford is going to become a top 10 fantasy football quarterback again, then he’s going to need to step up his play. The Lions continue to re-stock talent on offense as they attempt to climb the ladder in the competitive NFC North division. Without passing volume to fall back on, Stafford will need to start making the most of it again.
Kerryon Johnson
Kerryon Johnson rushed for 100 yards on two separate occasions last season. Now, I know that might not sound like an achievement, but given that the Lions had gone 70 games without a 100-yard rusher prior to that, I think he deserves a pat on the back. The Lions eased him into the starting role, often asking him to split carries with LeGarrette Blount, but the job undoubtedly belongs to Johnson in 2019. He rushed 118 times for 641 yards last year. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him bypass 200 carries and 1000 yards this season.
Kenny Golladay
Kenny Golladay flashed dominance on the way to 70 catches for 1063 yards in 15 games. Golladay established himself as the top option in the Lions’ passing game and a full season without Golden Tate should increase his targets. The return of Marvin Jones should also reduce the amount of emphasis that opposing defenses put on stopping Golladay. He noticeably struggled against elite cornerbacks like Xavien Howard and Patrick Peterson. It’s a huge season for Golladay as he looks to take the next step in his development from “good” to “great.”
Sleepers
Injury has seen Marvin Jones slip under the radar in fantasy football. Two seasons ago he posted 1101 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, finishing as the WR5 in standard scoring. He’s not expected to be the primary option in the passing game, but he’s always been a player who could score points with limited opportunities.
Rookie tight ends don’t tend to be fantasy relevant. The Lions used the eighth pick of the draft on T.J. Hockenson for a reason, though. Capable as a receiver and a blocker, Hockenson should see a lot of snaps. C.J. Anderson’s role is going to be limited as the backup to Kerryon Johnson, but he showed that he can still be productive last year when the Los Angeles Rams gave him the opportunity.
He’s unlikely to be anything more than a handcuff to start the season, but he had over 100 rushing yards in three of his five games with the Rams. He’ll feel that he has a point to prove after his market was underwhelming in free agency. Anderson has had at least one 100 yard rushing game in each of the last five seasons. Finding a player late in the draft who can step in and win you a week is valuable.
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