Lions' Top Fantasy Targets

Hey, I know you. You're the guy who's vowed not to draft any Lions in your fantasy league this year. I understand you've been burned in the past. Remember that year you drafted the Kevin Jones/Brian Calhoun handcuff? What about last year when you thought Jon Kitna was a steal in the third? Have you even unloaded Mike Williams from your dynasty league yet?

Don't give up though, 0-16 is enough to depress Lions' fans you don't need fantasy failure too! We're going to take a look at the top fantasy players for the Lions next year --you should be able to get value for most of them, most of your friends probably forgot there was even a football team in Detroit.

Calvin Johnson

This guy you probably won't get for a value. CJ is one of the top young receivers in the league and should continue to improve under Coach Linehan.

Pros: He has strength and speed. He was top five last year in receiving yards and was best in TDs with 12. He has better team around him this year. An improved Culpepper could mean historic things for Megatron

Cons:May see targets drop this year with addition of better receivers around him and Brandon Pettigrew stealing redzone looks.

Verdict: WRs are the new RBs, if you're drafting at the end of the first or early in the second, grabbing Johnson and another young WR like Fitzgerald will pay huge dividends, especially in a dynasty league.

Jason Hanson

MVP! Kickers are a tricky issue in the fantasy game. There are certainly more important positions to attend to, but forgetting to add someone dependable can mean the difference in a lot of close weeks.

Pros: He was 8-8 in kicks over 50 yards last year—at the age of 38. An improved offense and defense should mean a few extra kicks for a guy who only had 22 attempts last year.

Cons: He's pushing 40 so any decline wouldn't be unheard of. There's also the chance that the Lions end up in the end zone instead of kicking field goals this year.

Verdict: I've found Hanson on the waiver wire each year I've drafted. If it's a big league you may want to take a flier at the end of the draft and/or make sure he's on your watch list.

Kevin Smith

Smith was 17th in rushing last year and 18th in TDs. Nothing too exciting except for the fact he had 10 or less carries just as often as he had 20+. Expect a greater volume and a slight increase in the 4.1 avg thanks to additions of Daniel Loper and Brandon Pettigrew

Pros: The skies the limit for the former Central Florida star. He looks to have an increased role and is the clear red zone back for the Lions. Better blocking and pass catching should lead to more 3rd down snaps.

Cons: Some analysts feel he'll be a poor fit outside of a zone blocking scheme and others think a heavy load of carries will start wearing down a guy who also led the NCAA in carried two years ago. The biggest threat to his value is the addition of Mo Morris.

Verdict: Smith wasn't worthy of a spot on your fantasy team for all of last year, but after week 10 he was a viable second option. If you're aiming for an elite tier RB combination, Smith has a lot of upside.

Julian Peterson

2007 was a banner year for Peterson and 2008 was a minor disappointment as his sack number halved and he failed to record an INT. He'll play a large role in a rejuvenated Lions defense and he'll be used as a pass rusher frequently.

Pros: He has the ability to get to the passer, He usually has around 80+ tackles and has played 16 game in each of the last three years. Playing next to Larry Foote and Ernie Sims should be a recipe for big play ability—that's probably a word.

Cons: He is 30 years old and is on a new team. Questionable defensive line play are all markers for concern. Teams are likely to isolate Peterson with a TE or FB on every play and won't be passing near him when they can help it.

Verdict: IDP leagues should keep him on their radars. Full defensive leagues should consider him at LB2 leaning toward LB1.

Daunte Culpepper/Matthew Stafford

Culpepper was one of the worst QBs in the league last year; after sitting out the beginning of the year. He only played five games and posted the worst QB rating of his career. Matthew Stafford looks like the long term answer, but no one has any idea whether or not he will start and GM Martin Mayhew is looking to bring him along slowly.

Pros: All reports out of Allen Park talk of a new and improved Culpepper. He's lost weight and looks sharp throwing the ball. Training camp should decide if he's got enough to lead the team or if Stafford takes the reins right away. Biggest reason to like both of these guys.

Cons: Neither one is known for accuracy and INTs could be a concern. A veteran QB could be added if both struggle in camp.

Verdict: Some dynasty leagues keep one extra roster spot just for rookies, so if you're in that scenario Stafford would be a good late round choice. Keep both of these on your radar screens for possible QB2 honors if they're showing good play.