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Fantasy Football Offensive Coordinator Breakdown – Detroit Lions

By Jon DeBuchananne

ALLEN PARK, MI - JULY 25: Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell and Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 run drills during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 25, 2019 at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - JULY 25: Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell and Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 run drills during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 25, 2019 at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: A view of the back of Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions during NFL game acction against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: A view of the back of Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions during NFL game acction against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Fantasy Football Passing Game Impact:

In his first seven full seasons as a starting NFL quarterback, Matthew Stafford never failed to throw for less than 4,257 yards in a season. In his first season under head coach Matt Patricia the Lions signal caller threw for a career-low 3,777 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions which was the worst statistical season of his career.

With a defensive-minded head coach, it was clear that his attempts were going to take a major hit, which I talked about last pre-season. The addition of Bevell further cements Stafford’s low ceiling this season, as he averages the most rushing attempts of any current NFL coordinator.

While Stafford’s talent is undeniable, the former first pick overalls fantasy stock has been crippled by both his head coach and offensive coordinator. While his passing attempts will hover in the 550-575 range, his efficiency should rise with a focus on an improved ground attack allowing him to beat teams off of play-action.

The loss of Golden Tate after last seasons trade will be felt, but the Lions drafted T.J. Hockenson to help Stafford work the middle of the field. This is where Golden Tate tormented teams and where Stafford targets the majority of his passes. At the current moment, Stafford sits outside the top-20 in quarterback rankings which is a far cry from his automatic top-10 days. I would only be looking to add Stafford in two QB leagues as he is only a spot starter at best this fantasy football season.

Fantasy Football Running Game Impact:

The Running game gets a massive boost with the arrival of Darrell Bevell and his run-heavy offensive philosophy. The table is set for a Kerryon Johnson feast this fall, as he looks to be the primary ball carrier in a run-heavy approach. Just when you thought things couldn’t get better for Johnson, the Lions decided to part-ways with pass-catching specialist Theo Riddick. What will Kerryon Johnson be gaining from the Riddick departure, how about an average of 62 receptions and 78 targets a season.

Under Bevell in his 12 seasons as an offensive coordinator his teams have averaged 9th in rushing attempts, 10th in rushing yards, 12th in rushing touchdowns, and 12th in yards per attempt. In six of those 12 seasons, Bevell’s teams have finished inside the top-5 in both rushing attempts and yards while leading the league in rushing in two of those seasons.

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With the departure of Riddick, it now appears that Kerryon Johnson has become one of the few three-down backs this fantasy football season. He should be getting 225-275 carries this season, while adding another 50+ catches in the passing game. He is a major winner in this offensive regime change.

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