2021 Fantasy Preview – Detroit Lions

Studs

• D’Andre Swift: Swift is a budding star at the position. He came out of college as a top-end running back in a loaded class. He is still only 22 with a lot of tread left on the tires. He figures to have an increased workload this upcoming year, despite the addition of Jamaal Williams. Towards the end of last season, the Lions finally started featuring Swift and really unlocked him. In the last 5 games that he played, he averaged 17.6 PPR points and ~63% of snaps. He was uber-efficient with his time on the field and the touches he received. Look for him to continue this for quite some time.
• TJ Hockenson: In just his second year in the league, Hockenson was able to put up a top 5 TE season. He was a target hog last season, and with even fewer weapons this year, he could see more targets. He’ll be the best pass catcher Goff has available to him and he’s a red-zone monster. At the age of 24, he is a massive dynasty asset to have on a team, locking down the tight end position for years to come. He should be in store for a big season this year.

Role Players

• Jamaal Williams: Jamaal Williams always had a role with the Green Bay Packers as a pass-catching specialist and a great change of pace back. He figures to do the same in Detroit, an offense being run by Dan Campbell and Anthony Lynn who have featured two running backs in their offenses with both the Saints and Chargers, respectively. Williams could see a bit of an uptick in usage as the team looks to feature running the ball heavily. In PPR leagues he provides a usable fantasy floor for depth or bye week fill-ins. 
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: Taken in the fourth round, St. Brown is walking into a barren wide receiver room full of journeymen veterans that have struggled to stay healthy. He figures to be part of the organization’s future plans, so should earn playing time early in the season. If he can translate his success at USC to the next level, he could be a solid dynasty asset. If he gets on the field, he has every opportunity to produce. In future years, the Lions will probably bring in a true alpha WR that St. Brown should thrive playing alongside as well.

Keep an eye on

• Quintez Cephus: Cephus showed flashes of his big-play ability throughout the season last year, generally being the only healthy target on the field. Both Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman have struggled to stay healthy in recent years, leaving an opening for Cephus to get on the field. He is only 23 and if he can prove himself this year, he should be a part of the Lions’ plans going forward. In the case that he can’t get a consistent role this year, he’s a solid dynasty stash for future years.
• Breshad Perriman: Perriman has been a really good fantasy asset when he is able to stay on the field. The struggle is always if he can stay healthy consistently throughout a season. He is a great WR3 to have on your team because he has the potential to play as he did at the end of 2019 (averaging 23 points through 4 weeks) at any moment. Perriman is a solid late-round grab with good upside as there isn’t much competition for targets. 
• Tyrell Williams: Someone out of this wide receiver core has to take a step forward for Jared Goff, right? Williams is another veteran that has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, but when healthy has been a solid low-end WR2/high-end WR3. He can be a good field stretcher that is a bit of a boom/bust player. Another wide receiver in this room to keep an eye on if he can separate himself early.

Dynasty Stashes

• Jermar Jefferson: A 7th round Draft selection that has been getting some great buzz so far this offseason. It appears that Jefferson is a favorite to solidify the RB3 role for Detroit this offseason. He’ll serve mostly as a handcuff on your roster with minimal stand-alone value without an injury, still getting work but not enough to be fantasy-relevant. If he impresses early, he could allow the Lions to move on from Williams following this year and take over his role. It’s a long shot, but he is worth a stash on taxi squads in deeper leagues.