32 Fantasy Previews: Detroit Lions

32 Fantasy Previews roll along with a stop in the Motor City to check out the Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford

We finally got to see Matthew Stafford play a full 16-game season, and the results were what we had hoped for all along. In fact, the results were even better than some had hoped. Stafford was one of three QBs to throw for over 5,000 yards in 2011, including 520 yards in Week 17 vs Green Bay.

Stafford also added 41 touchdowns, leading to a 5th-place finish among QBs, behind Rodgers, Brees, Brady and Newton.

So, it's not a huge surprise that Stafford is being drafted among the top 5 QBs, along with the four aforementioned QBs. As long as Stafford is healthy in this offense, 4,500 yards and 30 TDs could be the norm, and Stafford will constantly challenge for top-5 QB status.

Stafford is averaging as the 5th QB off the board, being taken by the middle of Round 2.

It will be up to you to decide if you're willing to spend that high a pick on a QB. For me, QB is so deep that I'll be able to pass on Stafford and wait on a QB (unless Stafford falls to the 3rd or 4th round, then I will strongly consider him).

Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure

Jahvid Best

One reason to think Detroit's season (and Matthew Stafford's) was so great was that it was gone with virtually no running game.

Jahvid Best suffered yet another concussion (in fact, he suffered two of them) and was limited to just six games. However, in those six games, he averaged 4.64 yards per carry, and caught 27 passes for an average for about 10.6 yards per catch.

Mikel Leshoure lost his entire rookie season after tearing his Achilles Tendon.

The main back who stepped up was Kevin Smith, who also ended up as the highest scoring Lions RB, at 38th.

Best looks to be back, but it's hard to tell at this point. The real key will be once he takes that first hit. This guy really is one bad hit away from being out of the NFL.

Mikel Leshoure

But when healthy, he has shown he can produce well in this offense, especially in a PPR, catching passes out of the backfield.

Best is being drafted as the 28th RB off the board Round 8, meaning he's being drafted as a RB3 or a Flex.

If he can stay healthy, he has the upside to be a top 15-20 RB. It is murky, and one bad hit, and he's just about gone.

Leshoure, on the other hand, is way down at RB42, going in Round 11. The main reason he's dropping is he could be looking at a suspension to start the season (possibly 3 games).

The former 2nd round pick, when not on drugs, can be a nice compliment to Best and could also grab some touchdowns and yardage.

With that late a pick, I think Leshoure could be worth the risk and a flex play.

Calvin Johnson

Photo from ign.com

Megatron is the best. Plain and simple.

Last year's #1 WR in yards, TDs and fantasy points is easily the consenous #1 WR going into fantasy drafts this year.

Calvin did just receive a new mega-contract, but as long as he and Stafford are together, Megatron will always put up huge numbers. Remember, this guy posted eight touchdown in the first four games last season.

Heck, this guy shows he can beast no matter who his QB is. We saw him with Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton a couple years ago.

There is that little matter of Calvin being on the cover up Madden, but I think this is the year the curse gets broken.

I'm considering him as high as #4 overall, now with the possible mess brewing in Jacksonville between the Jaguars and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Titus Young and Ryan Broyles

Two young receivers with a chance to break out are 2nd year WR Titus Young and rookie Ryan Broyles.

Titus Young

When not punching his teammates, Young is a nice player who scored six touchdowns in his rookie year and who looks to start opposite Johnson this season, and with defenses focusing on Johnson, and Stafford throwing the ball, Young has a chance to improve on those six TDs.

He is certainly a name to watch, especially when you can get him very late. He is currently the 41st receiver off the board, which could end up being tremendous value, and he could vastly outperform that position.

Ryan Broyles

Broyles, once he gets healthy, could be the next slot receiver for the Lions. He is coming off an ACL tear suffered during his senior season at Oklahoma.

A deep PPR sleeper, as well as someone who can be used in return leagues, since he also looks to be the favorite to return kicks once he is fully recovered.

Someone to keep an eye on during training camp and preseason.

Brandon Pettigrew

As if Stafford didn't have enough toys to play with, he as a darn good TE to throw to, as well.

Stafford targeted Pettigrew a whopping 126 times, including double digit targets each of his last three games, hauled in 83 catches for 777 yards and five touchdowns, good for an 11th place finish.

Another season in the system, Pettigrew and continue his 100+ targets, if not eclipse his target and yardage total from 2011. 800 yards is very possible, as is 6-8 TDs.

Pettigrew is currently the 8th TE off the board, which is right where I have him, and he is being taken in Round 8, which I like. Pettigrew will be a nice option to wait on if you miss on Gronkowski and Graham.

That concludes our stop in the Motor City. Next time, we travel to the Windy City to check out the Chicago Bears.

Until next time, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.