In the 11th of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Detroit Lions.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
The Lions had two significant free agent signings in the off season. They came to terms with cornerback Cameron Sutton of Jonesboro, Georgia on a three-year deal worth $33 million, and running back David Montgomery of Cincinnati, Ohio on a three-year deal worth $18 million.
Sutton played the last six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2022, he had 43 combined tackles (35 solo tackles and eight assisted tackles), three interceptions for 26 yards, 15 pass deflections and one tackle for a loss.
Montgomery is replacing Jamaal Williams at running back as Williams went to New Orleans. He had 201 rushes for 801 yards and five touchdowns, along with 34 catches for 316 yards and another major score last season with the Chicago Bears.
Detroit also acquired wide receiver Denzel Mims of Daingerfield, Texas in a trade on July 20. He played last year with the New York Jets.
Fantasy Stars
Quarterback Jared Goff of Novato, California is ranked eighth among quarterbacks. Last year the former first overall pick completed 382 passes in 587 attempts for 4438 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Goff also had 29 rushes for 73 rushing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown of Anaheim Hills, California is ranked 10th among wide receivers. He had 106 catches for 1161 receiving yards and six touchdowns last year, and was also selected to the Pro Bowl.
Lions kicker Riley Patterson of Edwardsville, Illinois is ranked 10th among kickers. He made 30 of 35 field goals and 36 of 37 converts last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However Jacksonville traded Patterson to the Lions when they decided to sign kicker Brandon McManus of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after McManus was released by the Denver Broncos.
Projected Finish
The Lions are clearly a better team on paper than the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Green Bay is expected to take a step backward without Aaron Rodgers. Detroit does not have the quality of offensive skill as Minnesota does, and I expect Detroit to finish second in the NFC North.
