2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Detroit Lions

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2010 Fantasy Football Rankings - Detroit Lions 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings - Detroit Lions:

Updated 5/31


  • Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions. Bye: 7.
    It shouldn't surprise anyone if Matthew Stafford finishes as a top 12-15 fantasy quarterback this year (I have him 15th). The Lions have surrounded Stafford with talented targets in addition to Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew (Nate Burleson, Tony Scheffler). They also added a potent running back (Jahvid Best). Stafford showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, compiling 296 yards and a touchdown in one half against the Bears, and 422 yards and five scores versus Cleveland.

    Stafford is a very high-upside QB2 and someone you should add to your roster during your fantasy draft.

    Projected 2010 Fantasy Stats: 3,800 passing yards. 20 passing TDs. 15 INTs. 150 rushing yards. 2 rushing TDs.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points (ESPN Scoring): 229.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points (QB Friendly): 307.



  • Jahvid Best, RB, Lions. Bye: 7.
    With Kevin Smith coming off a torn ACL, Jahvid Best is Detroit's featured back. That means he could be in line for 250-300 touches; perhaps even more. Unfortunately, Best is really brittle and injury-prone. If he plays, he'll produce for you. But don't count on him being in the lineup for 16 games.

    Projected 2010 Fantasy Stats: 850 rushing yards. 47 catches. 490 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points: 176.
    Projected 2010 PPR Fantasy Points: 223.



  • Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions. Bye: 7.
    Calvin Johnson battled through injuries and the struggles of a rookie quarterback last year, finishing with a disappointing 67 catches, 984 yards and five touchdowns.

    Buy low! Megatron, arguably the most talented receiver in the NFL, has to be thrilled with what the Lions have done this offseason. They brought in Nate Burleson and Tony Scheffler to draw some attention away from him. Matthew Stafford will also have more experience, and an expected rapid improvement from him should boost Johnson's numbers.

    Projected 2010 Fantasy Stats: 80 catches. 1,325 yards. 11 total TDs.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points: 198.
    Projected 2010 PPR Fantasy Points: 278.

  • Nate Burleson, WR, Lions. Bye: 7.
    Nate Burleson had a very solid 2009 campaign, catching 63 balls for 812 yards and three touchdowns. Though he's moving into a better offense, I wouldn't recommend drafting him. Burleson has a history of disappointing after signing new contracts. With $11 million guaranteed, it's highly unlikley that Burleson will be giving it his best this upcoming season. Let someone else deal with him.

    Projected 2010 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 610 yards. 2 total TDs.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points: 73.
    Projected 2010 PPR Fantasy Points: 121.



  • Tony Scheffler, TE, Lions. Bye: 7.
    Given the choice between Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew, I'd take the former because Pettigrew is coming off ACL surgery. However, it's likely that the two talented tight ends will just cancel each other out.

    Projected 2010 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 490 yards. 3 total TDs.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points: 67.
    Projected 2010 PPR Fantasy Points: 102.

  • Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions. Bye: 7.
    Two problems with Brandon Pettigrew: He tore his ACL on Thanksgiving, so he won't be 100 percent if he plays, and he'll now have to share targets with Tony Scheffler. Avoid.

    Projected 2010 Fantasy Stats: 26 catches. 300 yards. 2 total TDs.
    Projected 2010 Fantasy Points: 42.
    Projected 2010 PPR Fantasy Points: 68.

  • Jason Hanson, K, Lions. Bye: 7.
    A year after going 8-of-8 from 50-plus, Jason Hanson fell back down to Earth, hitting just 1-of-4 from that distance in 2009. Hanson is now 40 years old, so even though Detroit's offense is better this season, you should look elsewhere for your kicking needs.

    Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 23-30 FG (1-3 from 50+; 5-9 from 40-49). 34 XP.
    Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 109.

  • Detroit Lions. Bye: 7.
    This is stating the obvious, but Detroit's fantasy and real-life defense really depends on how Ndamukong Suh plays. If Suh lives up to the hype and performs on a near-Albert Haynesworth level, the Lions will accumulate tons of sacks and force lots of turnovers. If not, Detroit will once again struggle on defense.