FANTASY ANALYSIS: Detroit Lions

For the past few years the Lions have only had one guy on their team really worth taking high in a draft and the was Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith was of note but still hasn't produced a "top-back" worthy season. The Lions have taken on a youth movement on the offensive side of the ball and especially in keeper/dynasty leagues they have some players worth going after.

Its no secret Calvin Johnson has been a top-tier fantasy receiver even without a top flight QB getting him the ball. At 6'5" he is a freakish athlete and has the hands and speed to make it translate to some great on field production. Granted last year was not his best season, but I believe that was due to incredibly inconsistent play from the QBs the Lions picked off the street, (see Dante Culpepper) until they decided to play Stafford. He had his growing pains but has nicely secured the starting job this year. I see a big year from this star wide out. Look for him to go in the top 18 of most drafts.
- Expect: 70-85 catches, 1,200-1,300 yards, and 10 TDs

Jahvid Best...think a slightly more beefed up version of DeSean Jackson - stellar hands, quick feet, and the ability to make people look silly in open space. When healthy this guy was a nightmare for teams in college. His outside quickness is scary and he knows how to make a play. I would say the second best rookie RB this year and will make an immediate impact with Kevin Smith coming off a knee injury. I see big potential for this kid as long as he can stay healthy and improve his blocking skills to stay on the field. Comes into a great situation where he will have every opportunity to be successful. He is also much more valuable in keeper leagues as he should produce for years to come. Depending on the type of league this guy could come off the board as early as the 3rd round.
- Expect: 850-1,000 yards rushing , 50 catches, 500 yards receiving, and 5-7
TDs

Matthew Stafford finally got his shot a few games in last year and although he had some struggles, he fought through and even played with an injured shoulder. This guy will see major improvements in his offensive weapons and his stats should reflect this quite nicely. A bad TD to INT ratio is expected of rookie QBs and this year we should see smarter throws out of the second year pro. Like Best he is much more valuable in keeper leagues. Good 3rd QB option probably won't go until the later round of your draft. With Matt Millen out of the picture the Lions have started to build a much better team and should be much improved in the years to come.
- Expect: 2,800-3,200 yards, 20-23 TDs, and 12-15 INTs

The addition on Nate Burleson should not only benefit Johnson in the secondary, but Stafford as well. Burleson has quietly put up some solid numbers out in Seattle. The guy has talent and could be a nice 3rd or 4th WR for fantasy players this year. With Johnson and Best drawing the most attention Burleson should see his fair share of targets and could post another strong season.
-Expect: 50-65 catches, 800 yards, and 6 TDs

Brandon Pettigrew certainly has the size and hands to be a solid TE option in fantasy leagues. Dealt with some injuries last year but could wind up being one of the more improved players in the league. He probably won't have eye popping numbers and until you see what he looks like this season he should be a safe back-up option in most leagues.
- Expect: 35-50 catches, 500-600 yards and 4 TDs

TEAM PREVIEW: Detroit Lions

2-14 in 2009

When viewed under a certain lighting, no team has displayed as much improvement last year as the Detroit Lions. Though they only managed a feeble two wins, that's still two wins more than the prior season. The psychological effects of winning multiple games after suffering an 0-16 season in 2008 should not be undersold. The Detroit Lions are the happiest 2-14 team in history. They have made practically every correct move the team could make within the past two offseasons.

They already have their gutsy franchise quarterback in place with Matthew Stafford. Stafford will benefit greatly from the consistency of free agent addition, Nate Burleson, along with budding superfreak Calvin Johnson. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew should develop a stronger role in the passing game as well.

Perhaps the biggest key in the success of Matt Stafford is electrifying rookie, Jahvid Best. Not only will Best's running ability keep defenders from dropping back in coverage, but his pass-catching ability out of the backfield will serve as an invaluable security blanket for Stafford. Also look for the Lions to utilize more screen plays to help get the ball into their new playmaker's hands.

The teams biggest improvement lies on their defensive side of the ball. Their anemic secondary has seen an overhaul in its cornerbacks, introducing two new veteran starters from free agency: Dre Bly and Chris Houston. Julian Peterson is still a beast at outside linebacker and the defensive has seen a massive improvement in the offseason. With the 2nd overall pick in the draft, Detroit selected Nebraska mammoth, Ndamukong Suh. With the presence of Suh in the heart of the defensive front line, opposing linemen will have much greater difficulty winning the battle in the trenches. Also bolstering their defensive line, The Lions added blue-collar pass-rusher Kyle Vanden Bosch in free agency. After showing last year that he can be nullified when matched with double teams, look for Vanden Bosch to rebound his tackle and sack totals this year. Accompanied by Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch should register a season similar to those with Albert Haynesworth.

I expect a big improvement along both sides of the ball this year. They will have a absurdly difficult time winning games this season due to their ridiculously tough schedule, but their quality of football will unquestionably see a stark improvement.

My prediction for the season - an admirable 5-11.