A reasonable schedule and a strong defensive front could bode good things for the Detroit Lions defense, but be wary of yards allowed.
ESPN Fantasy Projections: 40.1 sacks, 13.7 interceptions, 9.5 fumble recoveries, 3.4 touchdowns scored, 392.7 points allowed, 5,795.7 yards allowed. Kicker Matt Prater: 26 of 28.6 field goals made.
Over or under: The sack projection is pretty good – but the Lions could go over it if Ezekiel Ansah continues his strong production and Devin Taylor adjusts well to a starting role. The two could form a strong pass-rushing combination. The Lions have depth on the line as well and like to attack, particularly on passing downs, so sack totals could be high. Be wary of the interception numbers. Darius Slay is paid like a top corner, but he has never had more than two interceptions in a season. Nevin Lawson, Detroit’s other starting corner, has never picked off a pass in the NFL. Glover Quin, Rafael Bush and DeAndre Levy (if healthy) should boost those numbers, but I’d go slightly under on the interceptions until I see something to tell me different.
Prater’s numbers should be strong. He’s going to be a valuable kicker this season. All but three of his games will be indoors and only one will be in potentially cold weather conditions – New York in December. Otherwise, he’ll have decent to perfect conditions all season. The biggest concern there will be who wins the long-snapping job. It might seem small, but the Don Muhlbach-to-Sam Martin-to-Prater’s foot operation has been smooth since Prater’s arrival. If Jimmy Landes beats out Muhlbach there could be some growing pains.
