PurplePTSD: Are There Any Detroit Lions Worth Starting This Week In Fantasy Leagues?

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

Josh Frey

2021-10-09

It’s been a difficult start to the 2021 season for the Detroit Lions, to say the least. Their offense ranks among the bottom of the league in multiple categories, and the defense isn’t much better. That said, as bad as the team overall is, that means garbage time stats are there for the taking, and as a result, fantasy points could be earned. Overall, it’s best to stay away from many of the Lions this week and every week, but here are a few that could have decent days in fantasy leagues.

TE T.J. Hockenson

It’s probably best to just immediately get the obvious choice out of the way. T.J. Hockenson is not only the best player on this Lions offense, he is among the top tight ends in the entire NFL. Hockenson comes into this game leading Detroit’s offense in targets, receiving yards, and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns.

Assuming the Lions are playing from behind against the high-powered Vikings offense, Hockenson should be set for a big day. Linebacker Eric Kendricks could make it difficult in the short passing game, but Minnesota’s CB core has not been exactly great thus far. If you’ve got him, give Hockenson the start at TE.

RB De’Andre Swift

De’Andre Swift’s season has begun with two performances of 16+ fantasy points, and two performances that landed him in the single digits. It’s also worth noting that both he and Jamaal Williams are listed as questionable going into this game. Swift has been on the injury report all season, but Williams is a new addition.

Swift’s impact out of the backfield hasn’t been felt in the run game nearly as much as it has in the pass. As previously mentioned, Hockenson leads the Lions in targets, but it is Swift’s 23 receptions leading the way in that category. Especially in PPR leagues, he should be considered as a low-end RB1 heading into this matchup with Minnesota.

RB Jamaal Williams

In a very surprising trend, it is not De’Andre Swift that has led the Lions in carries this season. Instead that title has gone to newcomer Jamaal Williams through four games. Toss in that Michael Pierce is out for Minnesota this week, and Williams could have a solid rushing number by the end of the day. Again, I expect this game to be quite lopsided in favor of the Vikings, but if it isn’t, it’s probably going to be due to Williams ability to run on a Vikings defense that is allowing 4.8 yards per carry.

He isn’t nearly as prominent in the passing game as Swift, but Williams has certainly carved out a portion of targets for himself due to Detroit’s lack of playmakers at the WR position. If trends are to continue, he is also due to rush for his third rushing TD this week after being held scoreless in week 4. Williams is worth consideration for a flex spot this week if he is healthy enough to play.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.