Compiling the Lions’ All-Time Fantasy team
As the NFL Draft comes to a close and Free Agency hits its final stretch, fantasy football fans everywhere begin setting up their draft boards of their own. Whether it be a prize league with friends, or a casual online league, the search for the perfect Fantasy Football roster continues. Fans putting their football knowledge to the test to predict the best possible outcome week in and week out. The Detroit Lions have had several fantasy football stars throughout the years, but these are the all-time greats. I present the Detroit Lions’ All-Fantasy Football Team:
QB1: Matthew Stafford, 2011, 5,038 YDs 41 TD 16 INT
Stafford threw for over 5,000 yards as the 2011 Lions improved on an underwhelming 2010 season, to go 10-6. Stafford became the second youngest quarterback in NFL history to reach the 5,000-yard season mark winning the NFL Alumni Quarterback of the Year award. This high volume season puts Stafford as the field general for our All-Fantasy Team.
RB1: Barry Sanders, 1997, 2,053 YDs 13 TD
No surprise to see Barry here, but choosing which season was difficult. I easily could go with the 1991 season, but Barry edged his younger self out in 1997 breaking the 2,000 yards mark to earn the RB1 Position.
RB2: Billy Sims, 1981, 1,437 YDs 13 TD
The first overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft, Sims made the pro bowl in his first three NFL seasons. Unfortunately, a knee injury in 1984 ended Sims career, leaving a lot of potential on the field. Nonetheless, an impressive 1981 performance has earned him a roster spot.
WR1: Herman Moore, 1995, 123 REC 1,686 YDs 14 TDs
I know another name was expected here, but in terms of a one season fantasy wise, the 1995 Herman Moore show takes the cake. A big target at 6-foot-4, Herman was such a talent along with teammate Barry Sanders and will start for us at WR.
WR2: Calvin Johnson, 2012, 122 REC 1,964 5 TD
With just five touchdowns, Calvin’s 2012 season almost didn’t make the cut against an impressive 2011 season where Calvin caught 16 touchdowns compared to 5. Nonetheless, the 2012 season was nothing to scoff at as Calvin broke Jerry Rice’s long-standing, single-season receiving record. I know the wounds are sore with his retirement, but Calvin was as elite as they come. Stafford throwing to Moore and Johnson sure would be a sight, wouldn’t it?
TE: Charlie Sanders, 1969 , 42 REC 656 YDs 3 TD
Hall of Fame Tight End Charlie Sanders put up 42 catches and 656 yards in the 1969 NFL season. I was inclined to go with 2011 Pettigrew here, but Sanders was a similar athlete who played at a Hall of Fame level in a different era. I’ll put my bias away and give credit where it is due.
K: Jason Hanson, 2012, 135 Points
Hanson is a Lions legend. There wasn’t another Lion’s kicker in my lifetime until Hanson retired following the 2012 season. The two-time Pro Bowler is the Lion’s all-time leading scorer and starts at kicker for the All-Fantasy squad.
DEF: 2011 Detroit Lions
The 2011 Detroit lions were 3rd in Forced Fumbles, 12th in Sacks, and 5th in Interceptions. This team did an excellent job at creating turnovers, and scoring as the Detroit defense has 7 Touchdowns on the year. They were a major component in the 2010 to 2011 turnover and the 10-6 record for the Detroit Lions.
Who would you start? Who starts at the flex position? Let us know on twitter @SideLionReport