Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks down while the team is huddle up during a NFL football game between Detroit and Green Bay on December 31, 2017, at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks down while the team is huddle up during a NFL football game between Detroit and Green Bay on December 31, 2017, at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

11. Detroit Lions

The Lions offense is still all about Matthew Stafford’s ability to fling the ball all over the field. He’s gotten a little wiser as the years have gone by, but the electric arm is still there. His ability to combine with Golden Tate and Marvin Jones still keeps defensive coordinators up at night.

The question is whether or not Detroit can get the run game going. Theo Riddick and Kerryon Johnson aren’t the most established rushers in football, but they could form an intriguing tandem this season. Frank Ragnow will need to play well as a rookie to unlock the Lions’ run game.

Ezekiel Ansah is still the leader of this defense from his rush end position. He really needs one more player in the front seven to step up and match his level of production. A’Shawn Robinson is probably the other guy with a ton of upside or the group.

It would be hard to imagine Darius Slay playing better than he did in 2017. He led the league with eight interceptions and 21 passes defensed. Even if his play drops a notch or two, he’s still comfortably the team’s best defensive back. Look for Teez Tabor to increase his production significantly from his rookie campaign.

The Lions are a solid bet to make the playoffs, but are a big time talent or two short from being legitimate Super Bowl contenders.