Detroit Lions News

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Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams Remains a Big-Play Threat with Large Workload

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is trending up in fantasy football, largely due to his sizable workload and big-play upside. Williams has played at least 89% of the snaps in each of his last games, and during that two-week span, he has eight catches, 149 yards, and two touchdowns. The bulk of those catches and yards came in Week 4. In fact, he only had two catches in Week 5, but both of those catches went for touchdowns. Therein lies a little bit of risk in starting Williams; his fantasy value is somewhat dependent on big plays, including touchdowns. The good news is that Williams has repeatedly shown that he is capable of breaking off these big plays, so the boom performances typically outweigh the bust performances. Because of his consistently large workload, the 25-year-old continues to rank as a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3 going forward.

4 days ago

Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Leads the Lions' Receiving Corps in Week 5

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught all five of his targets for 88 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The headline of his big outing was a 38-yard touchdown reception that gave Detroit a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. The 25-year-old is off to a fantastic start this season, catching a touchdown pass in three of his five games so far. He also has five-plus catches in four of his five games. LaPorta has shown that he can operate as a mid-range TE1 in fantasy football despite sharing volume with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams. There is plenty of production to go around in this offense, especially in a game like Sunday's, where the Lions racked up 45 points and 412 yards of total offense. LaPorta should continue to be started in all fantasy leagues on the other side of Detroit's Week 6 bye.

7 days ago

Jahmyr Gibbs • RB • Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Tops 200 Scrimmage Yards in Win Over Arizona

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs logged 25 carries, 151 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught five of his six targets for an additional 56 receiving yards. Gibbs tallied over 200 scrimmage yards in the effort, solidifying his status as the overall RB1 in PPR leagues. In total, he is up to 747 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns through just five games this season. The 24-year-old was a popular No. 1 pick in 2026 redraft leagues, and he's absolutely living up to the hype. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Gibbs is heading into a bye week, but he'll return to action in Week 7 as a must-start RB1 against the Green Bay Packers.

Oct 11

Jake Bates • K • Lions

Jake Bates a Solid Starting Kicker Option in Week 5

Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on all seven of his field goal attempts and all 14 of his extra point tries. Bates had his best game of the young season in Week 4, converting four field goal attempts in Detroit's loss to the Carolina Panthers. In Week 5, Bates and the Lions will take on the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has struggled to keep its opponents off the scoreboard in recent weeks, allowing at least 31 points in each of its last three games. Detroit has also been one of the NFL's highest-scoring offenses so far, averaging 29.8 points per game. In a potentially high-scoring Week 5 affair against the Cardinals, Bates profiles as a steady top-12 kicker for fantasy managers.

Oct 9

Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Looking to Build on Recent Success in Favorable Week 5 Matchup

Four weeks into the 2026 season, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 22 catches for 228 yards and two touchdowns on 32 targets. The 25-year-old had his best game of the young season in Week 4, hauling in eight receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Carolina Panthers. In Week 5, LaPorta and the Lions will take on an Arizona Cardinals defense that has allowed 11 receiving touchdowns through four games and ranks dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (9.1). Detroit has also operated in extremely pass-heavy game scripts due to its struggling defense, with quarterback Jared Goff averaging over 40 pass attempts per game. As long as both the Cardinals and Lions defenses continue their recent performances, LaPorta could be poised for a big game on Sunday. He profiles as a high-end TE1 option in Week 5 against Arizona.

Oct 9

Isaac TeSlaa • WR • Lions

Can Isaac TeSlaa Continue Recent Production Surge in Week 5?

Across four games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has recorded nine catches for 187 yards on 17 targets. While TeSlaa's overall production may not leap off the page, he's coming off his best game of the season in Week 4, recording four catches for 95 yards on eight targets against the Carolina Panthers. As long as Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams remain healthy, TeSlaa may struggle to see consistent target volume. However, Detroit's defense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, which has led to Lions quarterback Jared Goff averaging over 40 pass attempts per game. In Week 5, the Lions are set to take on an Arizona Cardinals defense that has allowed 11 touchdown receptions through four games and ranks dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (9.1). If Detroit is forced into another pass-heavy game script, TeSlaa could end up being a worthwhile flex option in deeper fantasy leagues.

Oct 9

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams a Boom/Bust WR2 Option in Week 5

Across four games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has recorded 16 catches for 229 yards on 25 targets. While the 25-year-old has largely underperformed preseason expectations, he had his best game of the season in Week 4 with six catches for 102 yards against the Carolina Panthers. Williams could be poised to build on his Week 4 performance in Week 5, when the Lions take on the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona's pass defense has had issues this season, allowing 11 touchdown receptions through four games and ranking dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (9.1). The Lions have also been extremely pass-happy due to their struggling defense, with quarterback Jared Goff averaging over 40 pass attempts per game. All in all, Williams profiles as a low-end WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 5.

Oct 9

Amon-Ra St. Brown • WR • Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown Could Be Poised for Massive Game in Week 5

Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has recorded 31 catches for 303 yards and five touchdowns on 46 targets. The 26-year-old currently ranks as the WR3 in overall PPR scoring and the WR4 on a per-game basis. In Week 5, St. Brown and the Lions will take on the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has had major issues defending the pass so far this season, allowing 11 touchdown receptions through four games and ranking dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (9.1). The Lions have also shown a tendency for playing high-scoring, pass-heavy games, as their defense has allowed at least 30 points in three out of four games and quarterback Jared Goff is currently averaging over 40 pass attempts per game. Between the matchup and the state of the Detroit defense, St. Brown remains a clear high-end WR1 option for fantasy managers in Week 5.

Oct 9

Sione Vaki • RB • Lions

Sione Vaki Carries Shaky Standalone Value in Week 5

Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has recorded 92 scrimmage yards on 13 touches. The 25-year-old saw a season-high seven touches in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, but he logged just one catch and did not earn a single carry in the Lions' Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Vaki is stuck on the Detroit depth chart behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs, who currently leads the NFL in touches. With Gibbs healthy heading into Detroit's Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Vaki remains highly unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. Arizona also currently ranks 32nd in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed, which could lead to lower rush volume in general for the Lions. Vaki is worth stashing as a handcuff running back, but he remains tough for fantasy managers to trust as a starter in Week 5.

Oct 9

Jahmyr Gibbs • RB • Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Remains a High-End RB1 Option in Week 5

Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for 353 yards and five touchdowns on 80 carries while also hauling in 22 receptions for 187 yards and two scores on 28 targets. While the 24-year-old's rushing efficiency is slightly down from his career norms this year, he currently leads the NFL in total touches and ranks as the RB1 in both per-game and total PPR scoring. In Week 5, Gibbs and the Lions will travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals. Arizona's defense has been a mid-pack unit against the run, ranking 20th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (470). Even if Detroit's offense is once again forced into a pass-heavy game script by the porous Lions defense, Gibbs' work in the passing game gives him a safe production floor for fantasy managers. In Week 5 against Arizona, Gibbs remains a must-start RB1 option.

Oct 9

Jared Goff • QB • Lions

Jared Goff a Must-Start Quarterback in Favorable Week 5 Matchup

Four games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 67.7% of his pass attempts for 1,214 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With Detroit's defense looking like one of the worst in the NFL early on, the Lions have been forced into pass-heavy game scripts, and Goff is currently averaging over 40 pass attempts per game. In Week 5, the Lions will travel to Arizona to take on a Cardinals defense that currently ranks dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (9.1). As long as Goff continues to throw at his current rate, he could be in for a monster day against Arizona and should be viewed as a must-start QB1 option by fantasy managers in Week 5.

Oct 9

Isaac TeSlaa • WR • Lions

Isaac TeSlaa Emerging as a Big-Play Option for Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has started making a bigger impact after a quiet first two weeks. He caught four of eight targets for 95 yards against Carolina, including a 57-yard gain, one week after a three-catch, 66-yard performance against the Jets. Those two games account for 161 of his 187 receiving yards this season. The playing time is worth watching, too. TeSlaa logged 58 snaps Sunday, an 82% share after playing 48% in Week 3. Detroit was using more three-receiver sets while trailing, though, so there is no guarantee he stays on the field that much every week. He also still has Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta competing for targets. TeSlaa has only nine catches overall, but he is averaging 20.8 yards per reception and just drew a season-high eight targets. His recent production has made him more interesting in deeper fantasy leagues, even if the weekly volume is not quite there yet.

Oct 9

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams' Upside Remains Evident if He Can Limit Mistakes

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams topped 100 yards for the first time in a Week 4 loss to the Panthers, making good on a season-high 53 routes run. While that level of passing volume would be unsustainable for most offenses, both Williams and teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown now rank among the league's top six players by total routes run. While Williams' league-leading four drops have caused notable fantasy frustration, his usage remains encouraging, and in Week 5, the Lions face a Cardinals defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points above expectation to the wide receiver position. The fifth-year pro makes for a high-upside start as RotoBaller's WR22.

Oct 8

Jake Bates • K • Lions

Jake Bates a Risky Kicker Option in Week 4

Three games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on all three of his field goal attempts and converted all 12 of his extra point tries. While the 27-year-old has been effective so far and Detroit is averaging 31 points per game, Bates' fantasy production has been held down by the Lions' touchdown-scoring efficiency so far in 2026. In Week 4, Detroit will travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers. While the matchup profiles as a potentially high-scoring affair on paper, the weather forecast in Charlotte on Sunday currently calls for rain and some wind. If the elements are indeed a factor, fantasy managers should try to avoid Bates in Week 4.

Oct 2

Isaac TeSlaa • WR • Lions

Isaac TeSlaa Carries Some Deep-League Flex Intrigue in Week 4

Three games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has recorded five catches for 92 yards on nine targets. While TeSlaa's overall line is underwhelming, he's coming off a season-high 60-yard performance in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets. In Week 4, Detroit will take on a Carolina Panthers defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) in the NFL through three weeks. However, Carolina's secondary is shorthanded, as starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) were both placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. With top Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams occupying Carolina's defensive attention, TeSlaa could see some favorable matchups against reserve defensive backs. The Panthers offense should also be able to move the ball against Detroit's 32nd-ranked scoring defense, which could force the Lions offense into a pass-heavy game script. In deeper leagues, TeSlaa could be a decent desperation flex option for fantasy managers in Week 4.

Oct 2

Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Has a Chance to Bounce Back in Week 4

Across three games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 14 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets. The 25-year-old is coming off his least productive game of the young season, as he recorded just three catches for 44 yards on four targets against the New York Jets. However, LaPorta will have a chance to bounce back in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers had a tough time containing Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in Week 3, allowing him to record 51 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. Carolina's potent passing offense should also be able to move the ball against the Lions' struggling secondary, which could lead to a high-scoring, pass-heavy game script for both teams. As long as Detroit quarterback Jared Goff continues to throw the ball at his current rate (36.3 pass attempts per game), LaPorta has a chance for big production. He profiles as a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.

Oct 2

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams Could Be Poised for Breakout Game in Week 4

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has not quite gotten going in the early part of the 2026 season, recording 10 catches for 127 yards and zero touchdowns on 17 targets across three games. The 25-year-old has taken a back seat in his team's passing game so far, ranking fourth on the Lions in targets behind wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and tight end Sam LaPorta. As long as all of Detroit's main pass-catchers stay healthy, Williams may have trouble providing fantasy managers with consistent production. Still, Williams' big-play ability makes him a threat to go off in any given week. Week 4 might be a decent time for fantasy managers to bet on Williams, as he will take on the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has allowed the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) in the NFL through three weeks, but they also placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. In a relatively favorable matchup on paper, Williams profiles as a high-end WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 4.

Oct 2

Amon-Ra St. Brown • WR • Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown Remains a High-End WR1 Option in Week 4

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a quiet game by his lofty standards in Week 3, recording four catches for 19 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the New York Jets. However, the 26-year-old is still off to an excellent start to the season, as he's hauled in 23 receptions for 225 yards and five touchdowns on 35 targets across three games. In Week 4, St. Brown and the Lions will go on the road to take on the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been tough to throw on so far in 2026, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) in the NFL. However, Carolina placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. Particularly if the Lions' defense continues to struggle and Detroit is forced to turn to the air, St. Brown could be well-positioned to have a big day. Even coming off the down week, St. Brown remains a must-start WR1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.

Oct 2

Sione Vaki • RB • Lions

Sione Vaki Remains Tough to Rely on in Week 4 Despite Increasing Usage

Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has seen little involvement in his team's offense so far in 2026, recording 75 scrimmage yards on 12 touches across three games. However, the 25-year-old had his usage scaled up in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, recording six carries for 26 yards and an 11-yard reception while playing a season-high 31% of his team's offensive snaps. As long as superstar Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs remains healthy, Vaki's production upside is limited. Still, Gibbs currently leads the NFL in touches, which may not be sustainable if Detroit hopes to keep him healthy throughout an 18-week season. If he sees another small bump in workload, Vaki could have some chances to score fantasy points in his Week 4 matchup against the Panthers. Carolina has had trouble against the run early on, allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry and six total rushing touchdowns through three games. Vaki should not yet be trusted as a starter, but he could be worth stashing in deeper league formats.

Oct 2

Jahmyr Gibbs • RB • Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Could Be Poised for Monster Week in Favorable Week 4 Matchup

Across three games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 463 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 83 touches. Gibbs has been productive on the ground, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and collecting four rushing touchdowns. He's also taken on an even larger role in the Lions' passing game this season, hauling in 18 catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 21 targets. Gibbs could be poised for another high-usage day in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have had major issues defending the run so far this season, allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry and six total rushing touchdowns. Even if the Lions find themselves chasing points, Gibbs' involvement as a receiver out of the backfield should provide him with a safe production floor. Gibbs profiles as a must-start, high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.

Oct 2

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