The Lions allowed 384 yards and 19 points during the Week 5 loss to the Vikings and play the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit surrendered 76 points across the first two games of the season, but its giving up only 20.7 PPG in the past three contests. The Lions had two sacks and two takeaways, though the Vikings still averaged 6.0 yards per play and 7.3 yards per pass. The Bengals come into the contest averaging a mediocre 22.8 PPG, though QB Joe Burrow has overall played well. The Lions D/ST has certainly been playing above expectations over the past couple weeks, but not well enough to put it on the fantasy…read more

The Lions allowed 24 points and 373 yards during the Week 4 loss to the Bears and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: It wasn't a terrible performance from the Detroit D/ST against rookie QB Justin Fields, but one sack and one takeaway provided minimal fantasy output. The Vikings managed only seven points versus the Browns last week, though it averaged 29 PPG across the first three games of the season. Regardless of whether RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) is at full strength, QB Kirk Cousins should have plenty to work with since WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen remain healthy on the outside. The Lions D/ST can be…read more

The Lions gave up 19 points and 387 yards during the Week 3 loss to the Ravens and play the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: The Detroit D/ST had one takeaway and four sacks while also holding the Ravens to 1-for-10 on third-down conversion, which helped limit the Ravens to one touchdown despite totaling nearly 400 yards of offense. The Lions allowed 69 offensive points across the first two games of the season and shouldn't be expected to replicate Sunday's performance, though a Week 4 matchup the Bears is a decent matchup. QB Justin Fields made his first career start last week and was sacked nine times while the…read more

The Lions allowed 323 yards and 35 points during the 35-17 loss to the Packers and play the Ravens on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit sacked QB Aaron Rodgers three times but weren't able to force any turnovers as Green Bay pulled away after halftime. Things don't get any easier this week, as the Ravens have scored 63 points through the first two weeks of the season. QB Lamar Jackson has 474 passing yards and 193 rushing yards with six total touchdowns, and the Lions D/ST shouldn't be expected to provide much, if any, fantasy value in this matchup.

The Lions gave up 442 yards and 34 offensive points during the Week 1 loss to the 49ers and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit allowed 8.0 yards per play, including 4.7 YPC on 28 rushes despite San Francisco's top RB Raheem Mostert (knee) exiting early with an injury. The 49ers averaged 11.5 yards per pass, though the Lions did manage two takeaways and a sack. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers laid a complete dud against the Saints in Week 1, managing only three points in a 35-point blowout. Green Bay uncharacteristically had three giveaways after totaling only 11 turnovers all of last year. The Lions D/ST…read more

DL Michael Brockers (undisclosed) will be available for the Lions' Week 1 matchup with the 49ers.

Analysis: However, DE Da'Shawn Hand (groin) is opening the season on injured reserve, depleting some of Detroit's depth up front. Brockers was one of the few significant defensive additions made during the offseason, and he's unlikely to change the fortune of a unit that finished last in total defense (419.8 YPG) and scoring (32.4 PPG) in 2020. The Lions D/ST isn't likely to be on the fantasy radar most weeks this season and shouldn't be given consideration in the season opener.

DEs Michael Brockers (undisclosed) and Da'Shawn Hand (groin) may not be available for Week 1 against the 49ers.

Analysis: The Lions are already lacking talent up front defensively, so missing Brockers and/or Hand would be significant against what is expected to be a run-heavy San Francisco offense. The Detroit D/ST returns largely the same pieces from 2020 and shouldn't be expected to be a fantasy option in 2021.

The Lions claimed DT Bruce Hector off waivers on July 28.

Analysis: Detroit decided to add some depth to the interior defensive line at the start of camp, though it's a move unlikely to affect the unit's prospects for 2020. The Lions finished 2020 last in the league in total defense (419.8 YPG) and scoring (32.4 PPG) and are unlikely to be on the fantasy radar this season barring a remarkable improvement from the returning pieces.

New defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will face a tall task in 2021 while taking over a Detroit defense that finished last in the NFL in scoring (32.4 PPG) and yardage (419.8 YPG).

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The Lions surrendered 588 yards and 47 points during the Week 16 loss to the Buccaneers and play the Vikings on Sunday.

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The Lions surrendered 463 yards and 46 points during the Week 15 loss to the Titans and play the Buccaneers on Saturday.

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The Lions surrendered 31 points and 410 yards during the Week 14 loss to the Packers and play the Titans on Sunday.

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The Lions surrendered 389 yards and 30 points during the Week 13 loss to the Bears and play the Packers on Sunday.

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The Lions allowed 34 offensive points and 384 yards during the Week 12 loss to the Texans and play the Bears on Sunday.

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The Lions allowed 20 points and 374 yards during the Week 11 loss to the Panthers and play the Texans on Thursday.

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The Lions gave up 27 points and 464 yards during the Week 10 win over Washington and play the Panthers on Sunday.

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Detroit gave up 487 yards and 34 points during the Week 9 loss to the Minnesota and play Washington on Sunday.

Analysis: It was an ugly performance from the start, as the Vikings put up 13 points during the first quarter and finished the contest with 275 rushing yards. The Lions D/ST provide minimal fantasy value with zero takeaways and only one sack. It remains nearly the bottom of the league in most defensive categories, However, Washington ranks tied-27th in giveaways (15) and tied-29th in sacks allowed (28), so there could be plenty of opportunities Week 10. The Detroit D/ST is on the streaming radar this…read more

DE Trey Flowers (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve as the Lions get set to face the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: Flowers' absence will be a big loss for Detroit, which is coming off a rough performance against Indianapolis after surrendering 41 points and 366 yards. The Lions provided minimal fantasy value with two sacks and zero takeaways in the contest. Detroit remains near the bottom of the league in total defense (378.4 YPG), scoring (29.4 PPG), takeaways (seven) and sacks (10), and they aren't an attractive option Week 9 going up against RB Dalvin Cook and WRs Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.

The Lions surrendered 22 points and 388 yards during the Week 7 win over the Falcons and play the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: One of Atlanta's scores was of the unintentional variety, as Detroit let RB Todd Gurley score with just over a minute left to allow the opportunity for a comeback, which QB Matthew Stafford executed perfectly. The Lions didn't offer much else here with one takeaway and two sacks. Much like Detroit's defense, Indianapolis hasn't been anything special offensively, though it does rank in the top half of the league in giveaways (seven) and are first in sacks allowed (six). Still, QB Philip Rivers…read more

The Lions gave up 275 yards and 16 points during the Week 6 win over the Jaguars and play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: It was by far the best defensive performance of the season for Detroit, as its poor run defense (4.9 YPC) held Jacksonville to 44 rushing yards (2.8 YPC). The Lions had one sack and two takeaways for some modest fantasy production. Week 7 brings a tougher challenge, as QB Matt Ryan just led Atlanta to 40 points against the Vikings, and he now has his full complement of offensive weapons with WR Julio Jones' return. The Lions D/ST ranks 30th in sacks (six) and tied-20th in takeaways (six) while…read more

The Lions come out of their bye ranked 29th in scoring defense (31.8 PPG) and 28th in total defense (405 YPG) and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a great time for the bye in Week 5, as in its last game Detroit took a 14-0 lead over New Orleans five minutes into the first quarter yet managed to be trailing 28-14 at halftime. The Lions also rank tied-29th in sacks (five) and tied-24th in takeaways (four). The Jaguars have endured their share of struggles offensively (seven giveaways, 17 sacks allowed and 21.8 PPG) and are typically an attractive matchup for fantasy defenses, but the Detroit D/ST remains a risky proposition in Week…read more

Detroit allowed 377 yards and 23 points during Sunday's win over Arizona and play versus New Orleans in Week 4.

Analysis: The Lions gave up 7.4 yards per pass and sacked QB Kyler Murray only once, but they also picked him off three times to lead to the upset victory. It was an unexpected display from Detroit, as it entered the contest without a takeaway through two games. RB Alvin Kamara is the player to watch in Week 4, in addition to the availability of WR Michael Thomas (ankle), who's missed the past two games. The Saints and QB Drew Brees consistently have elite ball security, and the Detroit D/ST isn't a…read more

The Lions allowed 488 yards and 35 offensive points to the Packers in Week 2 and play the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit had a strong opening quarter as it held Green Bay to one field goal, but things fell apart quickly from there. The Packers coincidentally averaged 7.4 yards per pass and 7.4 yards per rush as QB Aaron Rodgers and RB Aaron Jones found minimal resistance. The Lions D/ST seems likely to have a difficult time with QB Kyler Murray, WR DeAndre Hopkins and the Cardinals in Week 3.

The Lions surrendered 27 points and 363 yards during the Week 1 loss to the Bears and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit held a 23-6 lead through three quarters, but QB Mitchell Trubisky tossed three touchdowns during the fourth quarter to flip the script. The Lions managed only one sack and zero takeaways, so there was minimal fantasy production from Week 1. Meanwhile, the Packers dismantled the Vikings in their season opener, putting up 43 points and 522 yards. Green Bay has had its share of troubles with Detroit over the past few years, but the is a clear matchup to avoid on paper for the Lions D/ST.

The Lions will face the Bears in Sunday's season opener.

Analysis: QB Mitchell Trubisky has struggled through his first three years in the league, but he's found success against the Lions, completing 117 of 167 passes for 1,359 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in five games. Detroit made a handful of additions in the offseason (DTs Nick Williams and Danny Shelton, LBs Jamie Collins and Reggie Ragland and DBs Jeff Okudah, Desmond Trufant and Duron Harmon), but it's difficult to tell how improved the unit will be after finishing 29th in total…read more

The Lions added DTs Nick Williams and Danny Shelton, LBs Jamie Collins and Reggie Ragland and DBs Jeff Okudah, Desmond Trufant and Duron Harmon this offseason.

Analysis: The new blood should bring better results for the Lions, which could be critical for coach Matt Patricia in year three. Detroit finished 31st in total defense (400.4 YPG), 26th in scoring (26.4 PPG), tied-29th in sacks (28) and 24th in takeaways (18) last season, so even a modest improvement doesn't guarantee the unit turns into a viable option for fantasy.

The Lions allowed 27 points and 348 yards to the Broncos in Week 16 and play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit had zero takeaways or sacks, but Jamal Agnew's 64-yard punt return for a touchdown salvaged some value. The Packers are coming off an uncharacteristic three-giveaway performance against the Vikings, but they've otherwise taken fantastic care of the ball this season. The Detroit D/ST isn't worth considering for the regular-season finale.

The Lions allowed 31 offensive points and 495 yards to the Buccaneers in Week 15 and play the Broncos on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Jameis Winston threw his token interception on the first drive of the game, but the was the defensive high point of the game for Detroit defense. The Lions continue to rank as one of the worst defenses in the league, though the Broncos are coming off a three-point effort last week. Denver has suffered its share of offensive struggles this season (299.4 YPG and 17.1 PPG), but rookie QB Drew Lock has overall looked solid since taking over as the starter Week 13. The Lions haven't played well…read more

The Lions gave up 354 yards during the Week 14, 20-7 loss to the Vikings and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Detroit had one sack and zero takeaways and only avoided a more lopsided result since Minnesota was in full control and was content to bleed the clock during the second half. The Buccaneers lead the NFL with 32 giveaways and struggle in pass protection (41 sacks allowed), but QB Jameis Winston can put up points with the best of them between turnovers. The Detroit D/ST should have opportunities for takeaways in Week 15, but their season-long struggles keep them as a risky option for the fantasy…read more

Detroit surrendered 24 points and 419 yards to Chicago in Week 13 and will play Minnesota on Sunday.

Analysis: The Lions provided minimal fantasy value Thanksgiving Day with one takeaway and one sack, and the Bears were able to move the ball with relative ease all afternoon at 6.8 yards per play. The Detroit D/ST has been a liability for much of the season and that remains the case in Week 14, as the Vikings feature a top-eight offense in yardage (376.6 YPG) and scoring (26.6 PPG).

The Lions gave up 230 yards during Sunday's 19-16 loss to the Redskins and will play the Bears on Thursday.

Analysis: Detroit mostly delivered versus a poor Redskins offense with three sacks and two takeaways while allowing only 4.0 yards per play, but the ineptitude of its own offense (four giveaways and six sacks) led to the loss. Chicago's offense is nothing worth fearing with Mitchell Trubisky at the helm, but the unit still ranks tied-seventh in giveaways despite its poor overall performance (269.3 YPG and 17.1 PPG). The matchup is solid, but the Lions continue to rank near the bottom of the league in…read more

DE Trey Flowers has a concussion and may not be able to play Sunday against the Redskins.

Analysis: Detroit predictably struggled to slow down Dallas, as QB Dak Prescott racked up 434 passing yards and 35 points, but the potential loss of Flowers could be a problem. The Lions have struggled defensively all season, but facing the Redskins in Week 12 immediately puts them on the fantasy radar. Washington hasn't scored more than 17 points since Week 2 and rookie QB Dwayne Haskins has struggled in a tough situation. The Lions D/ST shouldn't be relied upon week in and week out, but it should be a…read more

Detroit allowed 226 yards during the 20-13, Week 10 loss to Chicago and will play Dallas on Sunday.

Analysis: The Lions played well compared to recent weeks with five sacks, but they were unable to force any turnovers from QB Mitchell Trubisky, who had his best game of the season. Detroit still ranks 30th in the league in total defense (402.1 YPG) and tied-26th in sacks (19), while Dallas ranks first in total offense (437.4 YPG). The Lions aren't worth giving a second look in Week 11 against one of the more productive offenses in the NFL.