NFL Fantasy Preview: Detroit Lions

T.J. Hockenson (Google Images)

In a 32-part series leading up to the start of the 2021 National Football League season, we will take a look at each NFL franchise from a fantasy perspective. The 11th team we will review is the Detroit Lions.

As we head into the 2021 National Football League season, the Detroit Lions made a huge blockbuster offseason trade with the Los Angeles Rams. The franchises switched quarterbacks, as the Lions acquired Jared Goff and shipped Matt Stafford to southern California. It was the first time ever that two former first overall picks had been traded for each other.

Playing indoors in Michigan will bring a definite change of scenery for Goff, who will now also play in colder environments more frequently (Chicago and Green Bay on an annual basis). The issue for Goff will now be what receiver can he throw to regularly? Yes, the Lions acquired Tyrell Williams from the Oakland Raiders in free agency, but Williams missed all of 2020 with a torn labrum. In the offseason, Detroit lost wide receiver Kenny Golladay in free agency to the New York Giants, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu in free agency to the San Francisco 49ers, and have not yet come to terms with free agent wide receiver Danny Amendola.

The one stable threat in the Lions receiving game seems to come at the tight end position. T.J. Hockenson of Chariton, Iowa had 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns in 2020, and was selected to the Pro Bowl. He enters the season as the fifth-ranked tight end. Now one needs to ask if he will have the same chemistry with Goff as he did with Stafford. Due to the fact Detroit does not have a strong receiving group, Hockenson has the potential of having an even better season in 2021. As for Goff, he is ranked 21st in my fantasy quarterback rankings.

At running back, D’Andre Swift of Philadelphia had 114 rushes for 521 yards along with 46 catches for 357 yards, and two touchdowns. His 878 total yards in 2020, will make Swift the go-to back in Detroit this year, and worth taking in the middle rounds. He is the 18th-ranked running back in fantasy this year.

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