The Detroit Lions have invested in getting the best from Jared Goff this year, but can he sustain the fantasy value of all the key offensive pieces?
Optimism surrounding the Detroit Lions is soaring this offseason.
On paper, the Lions’ offense (when fully healthy) looks dangerous. And that leaves out a top-tier offensive line to make it all go.
RB–D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams
TE–T.J. Hockenson
WR–Amon Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark, Jameson Williams, Josh Reynolds, Quintez Cephus
The biggest question, this side of Williams’ health and perhaps even including it, is at quarterback. Jared Goff is clearly a limited player, but he did play better late last season.
Over his last four starts in 2021, Goff threw for 965 yards on 7.1 yards per attempt (7.8 adjusted yards per attempt) with nine touchdowns and only a pair of interceptions. It wasn’t revolutionary, but it was a sign that Goff still has good play left in him.
Can Goff do enought to sustain the fantasy value and positively impact of all the Lions’ offensive weapons this year? His history should be telling, focusing back to his days with the Los Angeles Rams, so let’s dive in.
Jared Goff fantasy football history: 2017
Credit: Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images
In 2017, Sean McVay’s first season as the Rams’ head coach, Goff’s yards per attempt jumped up to 8.0 compared to 5.3 in his rookie season. Cooper Kupp (WR26), Robert Woods (WR32) and Sammy Watkins (WR38) finished as top-38 receivers in fantasy that season (half-PPR scoring). Todd Gurley led the team with 64 catches, as part of a spectacular season that saw him finish as the top running back in fantasy.
In his first full season as an NFL starter, Goff was QB12 in fantasy.