Fantasy Football 2017: Detroit Lions outlook
The Lions lost four straight games at the end of 2016, including a playoff game in Seattle, in a season that had shown promise. They provided solid fantasy assets and their offense looks very similar this year. Which players will thrive in 2017?
Matthew Stafford
Stafford has had two straight “good” seasons from an efficiency standpoint, but we know who he is by now. Volume is our friend when it comes to Stafford’s fantasy production, and the team didn’t add a ‘feature’ running back in the draft, so Detroit will put the ball in his hands often. He’s a perennial top 10-15 quarterback, and your stance on him should be clear – draft him if he falls in your lap, avoid him and draft a cheaper quarterback otherwise.
Ameer Abdullah
We’ve reached this year’s fantasy gem. A second pick in 2015, Abdullah kicked off his career with a typical rookie season, showing flashes of brilliance along the way but not making the backfield his own. He ran for 597 yards, and added 183 through the air. 2016 was supposed to be the year he took over, but after a hot start with 120 total yards and a score in the first game of the season, he suffered a torn ligament in his foot in week two and missed the rest of it.
The Lions passed on running backs during the NFL draft, leaving the third-year player as the most talented and likely ball-carrier. He oozes potential, and will finally get the chance to show his worth on the field. Secure him wherever you can.
Theo Riddick
Riddick might be the best PPR back in the league, and that could continue as he makes his name through the air, and not on the ground. He was asked to run perhaps more than the team would like last year, but carries great potential as a fantasy flex option who can rack up catches from the backfield. He played in 10 games last year, and caught at least five passes in seven of them. He’s someone to target late in your drafts.
Golden Tate
Another outstanding PPR option, Tate has hauled in 90-plus passes in all three seasons as a Lion. While his touchdown numbers leave owners asking for more (14 in three seasons), he is the number one option on a team that loves the throw the ball – and is likely to hit 1,000 yards again this year. He’s probably being undervalued in your leagues as he’s not a ‘sexy’ pick, but he will be a productive one.
Marvin Jones
Jones had a crazy first month in Detroit, catching 23 balls for 482 yards in just four games. However, after that it was all downhill, and he only put up 421 yards in his final 11. With the way the Lions use their runners out of the backfield, it’s hard to be the ‘WR2’ in Detroit, since that role isn’t as prevalent as being the second wideout elsewhere. With Abdullah, Riddick, Tate and the additions of Jared Abbrederis and rookie Kenny Golladay, it’s tough to envision Jones having a significant impact.
Eric Ebron
We probably shouldn’t ignore the fact Ebron has improved in receptions and yards in each year in the league, but with such high hopes, he’s been a disappointment. He’s still the clear number one at that spot, so while not a safe bet, he could be worth adding to your tight end committee.
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The Best of the Rest
Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington might receive carries because they are a little bigger than the two backs mentioned above, but they boast nowhere near the talent. Abbrederis won’t have too much of a fantasy impact, but Golladay could steal snaps from Jones and surprise a few.