In the 11th of a 32-part series, we will feature 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. Today we will look at the Detroit Lions.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
The Lions acquired four players in the offseason–three on defense and one on offense. On defense, Detroit signed two players from the Ravens–linebacker Chris Board and strong safety DeShon Elliott. The other was nickleback Mike Hughes from the Kansas City Chiefs. On offense, the Lions signed DJ Chark from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Board spent four seasons with the Ravens, and signed a one-year deal worth $2 million. Last year he had 42 tackles and two quarterback hits. Elliott, is to make $1 million on a one-year-deal. He had 23 tackles, three tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, two pass deflections, one interception and one sack. Hughes spent his first season in Kansas City in 2021 after three seasons in Minnesota with the Vikings. Last year he had 47 tackles, one interception, four fumbles, six pass deflections, one fumble recovery for 23 yards and one touchdown. Hughes signed a one-year deal worth $2.25 million.
Chark signed a one-year deal worth $10 million. Last season he only played four games because of a broken ankle and had seven catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
Detroit also had two picks in the top 12 of the NFL Draft. They selected defensive end Aidan Hutchinson out of Michigan, and wide receiver Jameson Williams out of Alabama. The Lions selected Williams even though he tore his ACL in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Top Fantasy Star
At tight end is where you will find the Lion that is the most fantasy worthy. T.J. Hockenson of Charlton, Iowa is ranked ninth among tight ends in the NFL. Last year he had 61 catches for 583 yards and four touchdowns.
Prediction
The Lions deserve praise for improving their defense, but need to be questioned for overpaying for Chark, when they already have Williams and rising star Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The defense is improved, but the fact they gave up 467 points last season cannot be overlooked. The Lions should improve on their 3-13-1 record last year, but don’t expect more than six wins and a fourth place finish in the NFC North.
