Detroit Lions DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett expects the Detroit Lions to attack defenses more deep down the field in 2025 under new offensive coordinator John Morton, which should primarily benefit big-play wide receiver Jameson Williams. The 24-year-old pass-catcher had his fifth-year option picked up for the 2026 season after breaking out in 2024 in his third year in the league to the tune of 58 receptions, 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 targets over 15 regular-season games (11 starts), where were career-highs across the board after injuries and a suspension limited him in 2022 and 2023. Williams' 2024 numbers were good enough to make his the WR22 in point-per-reception formats, but he's still a bit of a boom/bust fantasy option in a Lions offense with lots of playmakers. He will need to be efficient with his touches, but Williams showed last year he's a home run threat every time he touches the football.

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) saw his 2024 campaign come to an end after five games due to a serious leg injury. Hutchinson was hopeful to return for the postseason, but this wasn't an easy injury to overcome. Despite that, Hutchinson reportedly is looking good in practice, according to Lions' defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers. This is the kind of injury that could've ended someone's career, so seeing Hutchinson making this much progress is fantastic. The organization was hesitant to talk about projections, but they believe Hutchinson can return to playing at the same level he was before this injury.

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker missed nearly his entire rookie campaign in 2023 while recovering from a torn ACL, and he appeared in just three games last year. Overall, he completed three of his six passing attempts for 62 yards. The former third-round pick out of Tennessee is competing with Kyle Allen for the backup job behind Jared Goff this offseason, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell said Hooker is "off to a good start." The 27-year-old hasn't been able to take command of the backup role, which isn't a promising sign, but he remains an intriguing deep-league superflex stash in the event of a Goff injury. Hooker tallied 2,079 yards and 25 touchdowns in 49 collegiate games and would have a fantastic supporting cast to work with if he is ever called into action.