Detroit Lions 2013 Fantasy Football Preview
June 11, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during mini camp at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy Stud — Calvin Johnson, WR
This is hands down the best receiver in an NFL full of great receivers right now. Johnson is in a league of his own, a dominant presence on the outside with size, speed, hands, intelligence, route running–you name it. Calvin Johnson is the best player at one of the most talented positions in today’s NFL, and if you get him on your fantasy team, you’re sitting pretty good.
Johnson had a shocking 11 games last season over 100 yards receiving, and finished the year with 1,964 yards. Sure, a lot of yards came in garbage time of games, but Johnson has proven year in and year out to be an elite talent.
The biggest problem I had with Johnson was the five touchdowns. Josh Gordon had five TD grabs last year. After seasons in which Johnson caught a combined total of 28 TDs from 2010-2011, five TDs on 1,964 yards is inexcusable for him.
I’m willing to bet he bounces back and gets up into the double digits again this season.
Fantasy Risk — Reggie Bush, RB
I’m a big fan of Reggie Bush, but it’s hard to say whether or not you should make him a top priority with Mikel LeShoure still on the roster, LeShoure has been unable to lock down that #1 RB job, which will certainly be manned by Bush now, but you still have him and other guys like Joique Bell looming.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Bush goes off in this offense. He is going to catch a lot of passes, and he’s a better runner than many believe. The biggest thing for me is, I’ve finally started to see Bush mature as a player over the last couple of players, but with only one 1,000 plus yard season to his name, it’s hard not to consider Bush a risk at this point.
I think the newcomer could be in line for 800 rushing yards or more, along with at least 45 receptions, or he could lose his job early in the season. The Lions certainly didn’t overpay for Bush, and he will have to earn his playing time.
Fantasy Sleeper — Ryan Broyles, WR
With Titus Young off somewhere ‘living it up’, I think the next man up is Ryan Broyles and I’m really high on his potential. I think Broyles could be good inside playing the slot or on the outside, and he possesses a lot of tools that could make him wildly successful in the Lions’ aerial attack.
After some injury issues, Broyles expects to be ready for week one, and could be a PPR monster this year. He is as reliable a receiver as they come, and if he can stay healthy, he has a chance to eat upwards of 80 catches I think.
Broyles has huge fantasy upside for me, especially since his role is becoming much clearer in his second NFL season. The former second round pick out of Oklahoma has a huge opportunity in front of him, and I think he will cash in.
Fantasy Rookie to Watch — Corey Fuller, WR
Fuller was drafted in the sixth round out of Virginia Tech, so he’s no lock to make the final roster, but I think he is probably the biggest name to watch out for among Lions rookies.
Fuller has a great combination of size and speed, and after turning in his track shoes for football cleats, he showed off an ability to make big plays while at Virginia Tech.
The Lions aren’t especially deep at WR, but Fuller is going to have a big transition to the NFL. He might be worth a flier in dynasty leagues, but not much more at this point.