For the last few seasons, the Detroit Lions offense has been an oasis for fantasy football managers. This year it was a little less so, with running back David Montgomery having a down season and tight end Sam LaPorta missing what will end up being eight games.
And let's not forget the loss of offensive coodinator Ben Johnson, and the downgrade to John Morton that led to head coach Dan Campbell taking over play calling in the middle of the season.
Ater a rough start, Campbell taking over as the play caller was a godsend for wide receiver Jameson Williams.
From Week 10-16, Campbell's first seven games calling plays, Williams had 36 catches (on 55 targets) for 641 yards and four touchdowns. In fantasy terms he was WR5 over that span (full PPR scoring), two spots ahead of teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Any fantasy manager who started a Lion other than St. Brown (eight catches for 68 yards) in Week 17 probably lost, or had other big performances to cover for the duds from Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Williams. And with that, St. Brown and Williams both finishing as top-10 fantasy receivers this year went out the window.
Fantasy analyst outlines how Jameson Williams can finally have a full breakout in 2026
Williams topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his career in 2024, and he has done it again this season of course. But it has not quite come fully together for him over a stretch of games, before the aforementioned stretch after Campbell started calling plays.
Project what Williams did over those six games to a full 17 games, and you get 87 receptions for1,581 yards and nine touchdowns. Coincidentally, that would be WR3 in full PPR--what St. Brown is through Week 17.
Ryan Conway of Pro Football Focus has outlined an early case for Williams to finish as top-10 fantasy wide receiver in 2026.
"The former first-round pick is the current WR13 in PPR formats, and he’s just 15 points off Courtland Sutton in 10th place. But Williams has a chance to be a true top-10 wide receiver for years to come while doing it in a very different way than his running mate, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
"Williams doesn't make his name through volume; he makes it through highlight-reel plays. His 17.7 yards per catch average ranks second among wide receivers with at least 75 targets, and his 13.5-yard average target depth ranks tied for sixth among the same cohort."
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Conway went into the clear-cut idea that Williams' will have plenty of target competition, and it's worth noting his increase in volume also mostly came with LaPorta out. But as Campbell interviews offensive coordinator candidates, it's fair to assume getting Williams involved on a more consistent basis will be a topic. Morton admitted failure on that front, and Campbell fixed it when the started calling plays.
Conway noted that increase for Williams, and the resulting fantasy ceiling if it can carry into next season.
"Since Week 13, only 10 players have seen more targets than Williams’ 38, though. Perhaps the dynamic playmaker could parlay his explosiveness across 80 or so catches to be in the running for the top five at his position in a season."
It's a long way away of course, but Williams' ADP will be something to watch during 2026 fantasy draft season. Week-to-week consistency will still be a thing, with all the mouths to feed in the Lions' offense, but even getting to 70-75 receptions could finally unlock the ceiling Conway is talking about.