Detroit Lions 23.2 PPG, Sacks 41: Tied 23rd

The Detroit Lions started the 2023 season against the Chiefs, and won the game against the eventual Super Bowl champions 21-20. The Lions were led with great offense and an average defense. 

They finished the 2023 season with 23.2 points per game allowed, and 41 sacks. Both were in the bottom ten of the NFL, yet there were great IDP performances from their draft picks, and free agent signs. They made it all the way to the NFC Championship game which proves whatever they are doing in Detroit is working regardless of statistics.

2024 Projections: 18th

There is a big bump in the Lions projected D/ST outcome for 2024, and there are several IDPs worth rostering. The Lions should control the clock and their draft picks are developing well. Detroit also used their first and second round draft pick on cornerbacks, a beefed up defense with six draft picks on the starting roster.

The Lions also added Marcus Davenport who will be a great second pass rusher to Aidan Hutchinson. They have two great linebackers in Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch with Kerby Joseph in the secondary. An excellent group of talent and limiting the IDPs to three is difficult.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DL – Aidan Hutchinson

LB – Jack Campbell

DB – Brian Branch

It’s three draft picks for the Detroit Lions, all by the current regime too. However the highest ceiling belongs to Aidan Hutchinson, he was THE second overall pick of the 2022 draft. Hutchinson finished last year with a Pro Bowl selection, and has a chance for a big move up in 2024. 

Hutchinson also has Davenport to help ease double-teams, which in turn should lead to more sack opportunities. Hutchinson finished 2023 with 51 combined tackles, 33 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception. 

He has averaged over 10 sacks per season, and could push for the record if Detroit plays with more positive gamescripts. He is a popular name on a good team, he goes early and if you want him, plan on paying up for him.

Jack Campbell is a name many have forgotten, but just like Aidan Hutchinson he too is a first round selection. He started 12 games as a rookie last year, and produced 95 combined tackles and added 2 sacks. Not the greatest numbers, but not bad. 

He will be expected to make a big jump this season, and Campbell has a great defensive line in front of him. 130 plus tackles are well within reach for the second year man, as well as increase in big plays. Campbell is being slept on this year in the same manner that Anzalone was last year. 

Both could have another high quality season, but Campbell is a first round selection for a reason. And it goes beyond his 6’ 5” 243 pound frame, it’s because he is a great linebacker. A fantasy manager could reach for Campbell, and he will deliver with the numbers to back it. However, it would be wise to wait on him and let the first round of linebackers clear through.

Unless there is a diehard Lions fan in the bunch, Campbell oftentimes is not in the top ten linebackers selected. He is an excellent late linebacker selection.

Brian Branch is not a first round pick, but was selected in the second round of last year’s draft. He came in and made an immediate impact before being injured. Even though he started just 9 games, Branch had 74 tackles, 13 passes defended, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack, and 1 touchdown… impressive numbers for any defensive back, but especially a rookie. 

He did that all in a total of 15 games in addition to only starting 9 games. The 13 passes defended put him in the top 16 of the category… as a rookie. If he stays healthy he could finish as DB 1, and that is not an exaggeration. Branch has a high football IQ, and is at the right position, at the right time.

The Lions should play with a positive game script, only aiding Branch’s big play numbers. Branch is all over the place in IDP drafts, and in standard leagues he is worth a draft pick. In leagues which require multiple defensive backs or award more points to the position. Branch’s value moves up and he should be chosen with the first 2-6 defensive backs drafted.

There are other great IDPs for the Lions but these three high draft picks, have the loftiest fantasy football ceiling. All three of these guys are set and forget players as well, which makes them even more valuable. 

Tomorrow the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.