NFC North - Detroit Lions

Doc’s back after taking a little Olympic time off. By the way, since the NFL is in Europe, when do we get to see Football as an Olympic sport? Now you’re talking “Dream Team!”

Joey Harrington, QB – Put up respectable numbers last year despite the loss of one of the leagues best young ones, Charles Rogers. Not only is Rogers back, but the Lions have added even more talent at receiver. Additionally they have some great young horses at RB to keep opposing Ds honest. Add to this the fact that the Lions only gave up 11 sacks last year. If he can cut down on his INTs, expect a surprisingly strong year from Harrington. I give him an 8.5 err…a low #1 pick.

Kevin Jones, RB – Still has a lot to learn but is the starter as of now. The Mooch’s “Committee” approach will limit his value. Draft him as a #3 Fantasy Football RB.

Artose Pinner, RB – Loads of talent but sidelined by a broken leg last year. Will get some carries in this committee backfield but at least initially, probably not enough to warrant a draft pick. Could be waiting in the wings if Jones stumbles.

Shawn Bryson, RB – With Jones and Pinner ahead of him, don’t expect much this year.

Charles Rogers, WR – Appears to be Harrington’s favorite target. This could lead to big numbers. I would rank him as a low #1 or high #2 WR.

Roy Williams, WR – Has tremendous potential but it will take him some time to get up to speed. A potentially good midseason Fantasy Football addition, Williams probably isn’t worth a draft day pick, unless you want to grab him and save him.

Az-Zahir Hakim, WR – Had moments last year, unfortunately, moments aren’t good enough to warrant a Fantasy Football draft pick

Tai Streets, WR – Expect this MeatChicken product’s value to drop faster than John Kerry’s poll numbers. Despite his experience, he’ll battle Hakim to stay out of the #4 slot.

Stephen Alexander, TE – A decent pick…for a Tight End.

Jason Hanson, K – Super accurate hitting 95.7% of his FGs last year. I expect that the Lions revamped offense this year will add to his value. I would rank him a solid #2 K.

Lions Defense – Detroit’s D got a bum rap in Fantasy Football leagues last year. Remember, performance on the field doesn’t always translate exactly into Fantasy value. Yes they finished 24th in Total Yards Allowed per Game, 26th in Sacks, and 28th in Points Allowed per Game but they were also 2nd in Special Team TDs, 5th in Defensive TDs, 7th in Fumbles Forced, and 14th in Takeaways. All this with half their starters in the M*A*S*H. With everyone healthy and some help from Dick Jauron, consider the Lions D a lower #2 Fantasy Football pick.