2008 Fantasy Football Team by Team Analysis: Detroit Lions

The Lions fell 3 games short of Jon Kitna's 10 win season prediction, and the Lions finished 7-9 last year. The funny thing is, if the Lions had a better quarterback, they could have reached the 10-win plateau. Kitna threw more interceptions than touchdowns. With the weapons Kitna has around him, his 2008 performance must be better if he wants to keep Lion's fans from calling for Drew Stanton. Here's how the 2007 Detroit Lions compared to the rest of the league on offense and defense.

Offense (Ranking)

Points/Game 21.6 (16th)

Total Yards/Game 322.9 (19th)

Rush Yards/Game 80.5 (31st)

Pass Yards/Game 242.4 (9th)

Defense (Ranking)

Points/Game 27.8 (32nd)

Total Yards/Game 377.6 (32nd)

Rush Yards/Game 119.4 (23rd)

Pass Yards/Game 258.2 (31st)

The Lions had the worst defense, as well as the second-to-worst rushing offense in the league. You think Matt Millen is kicking himself for trading a playmaker like Dre Bly for George Foster and Tatum Bell? After cutting yet another Millen first round bust this offseason (Kevin Jones), Lion's fans are screaming for Millen to be axed. The Lions have some playmakers, but years worth of horrible drafting are catching up with them. Let's take a look at the options the Detroit Lions present for fantasy football teams this year:

Quarterback

Jon Kitna sits atop the depth chart. Last year he threw for 4,068 yards and 18 touchdowns. The problem is he also threw for 20 interceptions. That hurts in leagues that penalize for turnovers. Kitna would be an admirable backup for your team, but look elsewhere for your starting quarterback.

Running Back

Kevin Jones had another horrible season last year for the Lions. The former first rounder became another first round bust for Millen to hang on his mantle. Tatum Bell and rookie Kevin Smith enter training camp as number one and two on the depth chart respectively. Look for Bell to start the season as the starter, and Smith to take over the reins in the event Bell struggles.

Wide Receiver