The 2023 NFL Draft is officially over, and with that fantasy managers are left with more questions than answers. Landing spots and schemes play a huge role in a player's success and also factor into fantasy production. The caveat for fantasy managers is trying to determine how rookies will perform, and how their playing time affects the other fantasy viable players on the squad. The Lions made things a lot more complicated for managers in 2023. Let's take a look at how the Detroit Lions' fantasy landscape will shake out.
New Look Lions Offense
The Detroit Lions' offense was a surprise to many last year. For the first time since the Calvin Johnson era, the Lions have a true WR1 in Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown is not the only weapon on this Lions offense though. They also used a first-round pick in 2022 for WR Jameson Williams, who unfortunately will start the year on a six-game suspension. Coming into the draft, the Lions signed David Montgomery to pair with D'Andre Swift. However, after using the number 12 pick in the draft on Jahmyr Gibbs, it's no surprise that Swift was traded to make room for the new kid on the block. To top it all off, the Lions used a high second-round pick to draft Sam LaPorta, a Tight End from Iowa. There are now A LOT of mouths to feed, for Jared Goff.
Running Back Room Shake Up
The Lions had an excellent 2022 rushing the football. Since then, they have parted ways with two of their leading backs from last season. D'Andre Swift was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on April 29th, and Jamaal Williams was signed by the New Orleans Saints this off-season. It's no surprise the Lions and Swift parted ways after drafting Gibbs. Swift, although electric with the ball in his hands, never seemed to stay healthy. In the NFL, the best ability is availability. This opens the door for two new RBs to handle the workload in 2023. Jahmyr Gibbs will likely slot in as the workhorse, while David Montgomery will be the red zone back. The Lions had the third most rushing touchdowns in 2022, behind only the Eagles and Cowboys. Look for the run game to be a pivotal part of Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions fantasy landscape once more in 2023.
There is a lot to love about Jahmyr Gibbs and how he plays the running back position. He has all the makings of a full-load, dual-threat back in this league. Add that to how much the Lions like to feed their RBs in both rushing and receiving, and we could see RB1 upside from Gibbs. Fantasy managers would be doing cartwheels if not for one thing. Insert David Montgomery Last year, Jamaal Williams scored a league-leading, and franchise-record 17 rushing TDs. Most people believe Montgomery will look to fill that role in 2023. Even if Montgomery does get the red zone looks, Gibbs's upside is too great to overlook. Barring injury, Gibbs certainly has the potential to be an RB1 immediately in this league.
Pass Catchers Galore
The Lions' wide receiver room is not to be overlooked. Amon-Ra St. Brown has already established himself as a dominant wideout in this league. Throw in 2022 first-rounder Jameson Williams, and there is a lot to worry about for opposing defensive coordinators. St. Brown finished as the WR7 in PPR leagues in 2022, and there are no signs of slowing down for the 23-year-old standout. Goff and St. Brown will only continue to develop their chemistry with another off-season together. Look for St. Brown to sneak into the top five at his position for fantasy purposes.
With St. Brown locked into the WR1 role, there leaves Jameson Williams. Williams will, unfortunately, be starting the season on the sideline, serving a six-game suspension for gambling. Williams has had a rough start to his pro career. He's missed 12 games due to injury in 2022, and even the games he played saw limited action. Although it might take a while for him to get going, he is a can't-miss talent. Williams could very well win leagues this year, as his suspension will tank his ADP in redraft leagues. Fantasy managers lucky enough to grab him late will certainly reap the rewards come crunch time. There's a reason the Lions traded up to pick 12 in 2022 to grab him. His elite speed and route running make him almost impossible to defend at all three levels of the defense. Even with the suspension, Williams should be in the WR2 conversation for PPR leagues.
Lions Will Continue to Roar in 2023
The optimism is contagious from Detroit fans, as they finally can be excited about their football team. With budding young stars on the offensive side of the ball, the Lions are real contenders to win the NFC North this year. They are no longer the laughingstock of the league and deserve recognition for all that they have done to rebuild. The sky is the limit for the Detroit Lions and their fantasy landscape.
About the Author
Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan, and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on Youtube and has recently begun writing for Belly Up Sports. He specializes in both redraft and dynasty, as well as snake and auction draft leagues. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.
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