Things are slow this time of year but we will take a look at the 2025 schedule, plus news and notes as the Lions have been working through their offseason program.

QB: The biggest question going into the season is going to be the adjustment to new offensive coordinator John Morton, who replaces Ben Johnson. I, like many others, think very highly of Johnson. He just seemed to have the magic touch when it came to all aspects of being an offensive coordinator. Whether you want to talk about schemes, formations, trick plays, play designs, and the rhythm of play calling, he knew how to keep defenses off balance and keep them guessing. The Lions can talk all they want about how Morton isn't going to make changes to something that isn't broken, but the loss of Johnson will be felt. I don't think QB Jared Goff is going to fall off a cliff by any means, but the offense might not run as smoothly as it has in recent years. Goff figures to be a low end 1 or a strong 2 again in the fantasy rankings as his lack of running limits his overall fantasy potential.

RB: In peeking at some rankings it seems there are three guys in the top running back tier at this point - Bijan, Saquon, and RB Jahmyr Gibbs. You won't want to forget about RB David Montgomery because he will still get his share of the carries. But at the end of last year when Montgomery missed some time, we saw how Gibbs has such a high ceiling. The Lions have lost stud center Frank Ragnow to retirement. Don't be fooled here - yes, Ragnow battled through several injuries in recent years, but he was still playing at an elite level. Ragnow rated as an excellent run blocker by the advanced metrics, so that could be a reason for concern because he will be tough to replace, and the Lions ground attack might not reach the level it did in recent years.

WR/TE: We'll keep trying to look for clues about rookie WR Isaac Teslaa from the minicamps and so on. I still think this is likely a developmental year for him. It sounds like they are going to try him at different positions. He will be a guy to watch in the preseason. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown remains a stud, but he recently revealed he had a minor knee surgery after last season ended. It sounded like it was a cleanup procedure, nothing serious. Even if he loses a half step, he isn't a pure speed receiver. He gets open with precise routes, smarts, and physicality. I did read from one of the Lions reporters that they felt like you might see a few more deep shots with the new offensive coordinator, which would be good news for WR Jameson Williams. There is positive buzz about him, although I kind of feel like last year was his breakout year, so I'm not sure how much higher his ceiling would be. TE Sam LaPorta kind of brushed off his slightly disappointing 2024 season, chalking it up to not being 100% healthy and also the many weapons on the Lions offense.

K/DST: The Lions defense should be improved just by being healthier in 2025 Aidan Hutchinson was in the news recently because he said he is fully cleared after last year's broken leg. My guess is that the Lions will want to see him in game action before talking contract extension, just to make sure he is the same player as he was before the injury. Speaking of contracts, keep an eye on the situation with LB Alex Anzalone. In many ways he is the heart and soul of the defense, and by all accounts he isn't happy with his contract. As for the Lions team defense in fantasy, with a tough schedule, they might be best used as a streaming option. PK Jake Bates was an unknown at this time last year. Now he is near the top of the fantasy rankings at kicker. He gives you what you want in a kicker for fantasy - good offense, strong leg, indoor stadium. One possible downside would be that Dan Campbell loves going for it on fourth down.

2025 Schedule:

Week 1 Sept. 7 at Green Bay 4:25

Week 2 Sept. 14 vs. Chicago 1:00

Week 3 (MON) Sept. 22 at Baltimore 8:15

Week 4 Sept. 28 vs. Cleveland 1:00

Week 5 Oct. 5 at Cincinnati 4:25

Week 6 Oct. 12 at Kansas City 8:20

Week 7 (MON) Oct. 20 vs. Tampa Bay 7:00

Week 8 Oct. 26 BYE

Week 9 Nov. 2 vs. Minnesota 1:00

Week 10 Nov. 9 at Washington 4:25

Week 11 Nov. 16 at Philadelphia 8:20

Week 12 Nov. 23 vs. NY Giants 1:00

Week 13 (THU) Nov. 27 vs. Green Bay 1:00

Week 14 (THU) Dec. 4 vs. Dallas 8:15

Week 15 Dec. 14 at LA Rams 4:25

Week 16 Dec. 21 vs. Pittsburgh 4:25

Week 17 (THU) Dec. 25 at Minnesota 4:30

Week 18 Jan 3/4 at Chicago TBD

Schedule thoughts: Starting with two division games is a little different since most of the division games have been back loaded in recent schedules, and finishing with two division road games could be interesting. Not many Sunday 1:00 games as the Lions continue to be a high visibility favorite of the TV networks. Five prime time games plus two holiday games and five games in the late Sunday afternoon doubleheader window. You'll be seeing the Lions on TV a lot no matter where you live. We have known the opponents of course but now that you see it on the actual schedule, I have to reiterate how brutal the Lions road schedule is. With the Green Bay trip coming early, weather shouldn't be a big factor for most of the outdoor games except Chicago in week 18.

I will be back next month with a training camp preview.

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