There might not be much flash to his game, but Goff has been
at the helm of one of the best offenses in the league for two-straight
years. He’s been a consistent top-10 fantasy option despite
offering nothing as a runner and is blessed with not only an elite
offensive line, but some of the best skill position players in
the league. Detroit bombed people last season enroute to a 15-2
record, before the wheels fell off in the divisional playoff.
It was there Goff showed some of the warts and limitations that
often make him an underrated option.
Despite being a consistent winner and producer, Goff and this entire
offense faces a massive question mark in 2025, as they get used
to a different offensive leader, with mastermind Ben Johnson leaving
to run the Bears. Goff and Johnson had a symbiotic relationship
over the past few seasons. They combined to help Detroit’s offense
lead the NFL in points-per-game, yards-per-play, and touchdowns-per-game.
Goff was 2nd in passing yards-per-game, despite being only 13th
in pass attempts-per-game. The offense was efficient, but could
also strike quickly. But losing Johnson is massive. John Morton,
who has coached with Dan Campbell previously, and worked under Johnson
in Detroit in 2022 will likely keep a majority of the scheme intact
because it was literally built for Goff, but the in-game decision
making and voice in the headset will be different. Look for Goff
and the Lions to take a step back offensively, at least early, as
they adjust to new leadership and a brutal schedule. A third-straight
top ten finish is going to be tough to do, as he doesn’t have the
rushing upside to make up for any dips in passing production.
Gibbs followed up a strong rookie season with a simply dazzling
sophomore campaign. Like Sonic the Hedgehog, he was able to run
over, though, and around defenders on a consistent basis, on his
way to racking up 300+ touches, nearly 2,000 total yards, and
20 touchdowns. Able to score anywhere on the field, Gibbs should
continue to be the focal point of the offense, even if he will
continue to cede carries to David Montgomery. I don’t expect the
offensive scheme to change much, as Detroit will remain run-heavy,
and play-action based, but it’s hard to expect this offense to
somehow be better after losing their offensive coordinator, and
starting center. Gibbs is an elite talent, and a worthy 1st round
pick in any format, but look for his overall numbers to take a
slight dip, as I expect the entire offense to take a step back.
The mauling Knuckles, to his speed merchant teammate Jahmyr “Sonic”
Gibbs, Montgomery was once again a strong RB2 in multiple formats.
Although Gibbs ascended to the clear RB1 role in the offense,
Montgomery still played a major role, piling up over 1,000 total
yards and 12 touchdowns. Montgomery remains the short yardage,
and goal line specialist for one of the best offenses in the league.
Prone to a few missed games due to his playstyle, and not nearly
as explosive as his backfield mate, Montgomery’s fantasy
value is heavily dependent on his scoring opportunities. If the
Lions offense takes too big of a step backward, Montgomery could
be the one who suffers the most, but he still checks in as a RB2
option.
The heartbeat and soul of this team, St. Brown was once again
an elite fantasy option in 2023. Enjoying another top-5 finish,
Sun God was 2nd in the NFL with 115 receptions, 3rd in receiving
touchdowns with 12, and 5th in yardage. He feasted against zone
coverage, leading all receivers in receptions, yards and first
downs. He’s consistently graded among the best receivers in the
league in all metrics, and what he brings in intangibles can’t
be understated. When the Lions absolutely need a big play St.
Brown is the target. He’s tough as nails, making tough catches
at all levels of the field. Between adjustments to new staff,
and the ascension of teammate Jameson Williams, there is a little
concern that St. Brown’s target numbers could take a dip. Keep
an eye out on his training camp participation, as he had a knee
cleanup procedure that could also affect his early season production.
All things being equal, St. Brown is a virtual lock for another
top-10 finish at the position.
Finally able to get his head on straight, Jameson Williams put
together a banger of a season in 2024, blowing away his previous
career highs in targets, catches, yards, and touchdowns. The fastest
player on the field most weeks, Williams makes more house calls
than an old-timey doctor. His 17.3 yards-per-reception was 2nd
best in the NFL, and he has seven career touchdowns of 30 yards
or more, including 82, 70, and 61 yards last season alone. His
greatest asset is also one of his limiting factors, as he still
needs to be manufactured touches because his route tree remains
stunted. While oozing with physical gifts, he still tends to drift
during games, is prone to drops, and makes plenty of boneheaded
decisions on and off the field. His inconsistency keeps him from
being a reliable WR2, but boy can he win you a few weeks out of
the WR3/FLEX spot
The biggest victim of Jameson Williams’s and Jahmyr Gibbs’
ascension was LaPorta. He saw 37 fewer targets than in 2023 and
was nearly invisible for the first half of the season. He did
come on in the 2nd half though, piling up five double-digit fantasy
games from Week 10 on. LaPorta remains one of the most reliable
and consistent pass catchers on the team, and in the NFL, and
although he might never reach the lofty numbers of his rookie
season, he slots in as an easy top-10 option at the position.
