SideLion Report
FanSided

Detroit Lions: A fantasy football guide for Motor City fans

By Michael Kirkland

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions calls a play in the huddle against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 3: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions calls a play in the huddle against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Prater lines up another game winner
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 10: Matt Prater #5 of the Detroit Lions kicks the game-winning 46-yard field goal with 20 seconds left in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Kicker

Matt Prater

Matt Prater has been consistent and has always possessed a big leg. His long kick of 58 yards shows he hasn’t lost anything at 33 years old. He was a fantasy starter in 2017, and I see no real reason to believe that his production will drop off significantly. Prater is accurate, too, not just capable of long kicks; he’s been a middle-80’s, or better, percentage kicker for years.

The only thing that could limit his field goal opportunities is the run game being really good. Then, his extra points would go up some.

Round to target: For some reason he doesn’t get a lot of love in fantasy circles being in Detroit. CBS doesn’t rank him now, and FFC has him as a fifteenth round pick. That’s probably not far off as you won’t see more than twelve kickers drafted, usually. If you love him, think one round up, round fourteen, for example.

Offensively speaking

Jim Bob Cooter, best name in football, is back again as the offensive coordinator. Consistency and continuity should help the Stafford train keep rolling offensively. Stafford has the ability to change plays, run a no-huddle, and several other wrinkles that allow the Lions offense to generate yards and scoring opportunities. The offense was seventh in scoring in 2017, despite the 32nd ranked run game; the Lions also lead  the NFL in deep passing yards.

The changes are welcomed, and should produce better yardage and a more smash-mouth style when Detroit runs the ball. General manager, Bob Quinn, made remarks about getting tougher and converting in short yardage as a particular frustration point to him.

So, with newly drafted fullback Nick Bawden, and free agent LeGarrette Blount, expect to see more power football. That should marry well with Stafford’s big arm and possibly open up deep passes even more.

Next: Detroit Lions - 15 best first-round draft picks of all-time

What do you think? Did I overrate any player? Disrespect a player? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading, sorry that I’m not smarter. Follow me on Twitter, CoachKirk @mkirkla2 for Lions, Detroit sports, and other random topics. A die-hard’s life is complicated.

Home/Lions Fantasy Football