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 Acquisition
The Lions signed cornerback D.J. Reed of Bakersfield, California to a three-year deal worth $48 million. Reed is joining his fourth NFL franchise after playing two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2018 and 2019), two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2020 and 2021), and the last three season with the New York Jets (2022 to 2024). In 2024, Reed had 64 combined tackles (52 solo tackles and 12 assisted tackles), four tackles for a loss, one quarterback hit, 11 pass deflections and one sack. The quarterback hit and sack came in a 21-13 Jets win over the Houston Texans on October 31.
Fantasy Stars
The Lions have a player in the top 10 in every offensive and special teams position in fantasy. At quarterback, Jared Goff of Novato, California is ranked sixth. Last season he completed 390 passes in 539 attempts for 4629 passing yards, 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Pro Bowler also had 35 rushes for 56 rushing yards.
At running back, Jahmyr Gibbs of Dalton, Georgia is ranked third. This past season, Gibbs led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (16), and rushing and receiving touchdowns (20). He had 250 rushes for 1412 rushing yards, and 52 catches for 517 receiving yards and four touchdown catches.
At wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown of Anaheim Hills, California is ranked third. This past year, he had 115 catches for 1263 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
At tight end, Sam LaPorta of Highland, Illinois is ranked sixth. This past season, LaPorta had 60 catches for 726 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
At kicker, Jake Bates of Tomball, Texas is ranked eighth. This past season, Bates made 26 of 29 field goals and led the NFL with 64 converts made.
Projected Finish
The Lions are the best team in the NFC North. This season they will also be a Super Bowl contender.
