With training underway a little earlier than usual due to the Hall of Fame game, we will look at some of the training camp battles, questions, early fantasy rankings, and interesting numbers to look at over the next few weeks

QB: I haven’t heard an official announcement, but either way don’t expect QB Jared Goff to play in the preseason. Yes there is a new offensive coordinator, but the Lions will most likely plan on Goff getting his work done in practice and they have joint practices coming with the Dolphins and Texans. Just to touch on Goff’s contract for a moment, his cap number goes up big time in 2026. The Lions have given out several extensions to the key players that are part of their nucleus and as a result they are already projected to be over the cap in 2026. They do have cap room right now for 2025, but it would seem they are going to roll that space over into 2026. As for Goff’s fantasy value, last year was probably his statistical ceiling. So if you draft him at a level that is based on that, he might not meet your expectations. Most of the skill position players around him are the same so you have consistency there. The offensive line changes and coordinator change are the reasons for concern. The backup job will be a battle between QB Hendon Hooker and QB Kyle Allen. They figure to get plenty of playing time in the preseason games, especially with 4 games and no 4th quarterback on the roster.

RB: There is talk of the Lions using RB Jahmyr Gibbs more as a receiver. Yeah I know, you always hear this kind of talk about players in the preseason If this comes to fruition it could really cause his fantasy value to increase, and it’s already pretty high. Gibbs did catch 52 balls last year on 63 targets in 17 games. I don’t think there’s that much room to grow as a receiver. Maybe we see him lining up a little more often out wide or in the slot as I would guess most of his catches last year were screens and check downs. Using Gibbs and Montgomery on the field together was not something we saw under Ben Johnson. Adding that wrinkle could free Gibbs up to move around the formation a bit more. The bottom line is that he is a top tier fantasy selection even while sharing the workload with RB David Montgomery.

WR/TE: I was admittedly too high on TE Sam LaPorta last year. But he is still the starting quality tight end in fantasy football and I won’t shy away from drafting him. I just won’t stray too far from his ADP like I did last year. Wide receiver looks loaded this season, which means WR Amon-Ra St. Brown might be a guy who slips just a bit. He is so consistent and has such a high floor. WR Jameson Williams has been generating some buzz again this off season. I feel like he broke out last year so he can’t really break out again but he does have some upside at his ADP.

K/DST: With only one kicker on the roster there is nothing for PK Jake Bates to worry about unless he goes into some sort of huge slump. The Lions already have some injury issues on the defensive line and LB Alex Anzalone seems to be holding in as they say, due to his unhappiness about his contract. First round pick DT Tyliek Williams needs to be ready to play a role that is perhaps bigger than previously thought. For a team with a very talented roster and high expectations, they need Williams (and also 2nd round pick Tate Ratledge who is projected to be the new starting center) to adjust to the NFL quickly.

The first preseason game is set for Thursday July 31 in Canton, Ohio against the Chargers. In my next report I will have observations from that game along with all other news coming out of training camp. The Lions have announced their schedule of practices that will be open to fans but I am going to skip it again this season.

End.