Top 5 Detroit Lions Fantasy Football Options in 2015

5.  Lions defense/special teams

Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker

(54) and defensive end

(91) celebrate after a sack during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field. Lions defeated the Saints 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Rank (among D/ST): 11th

Average rank (among NFL.com fantasy analysts): 12.60

Projected points for 2015: 116.00 (17th among D/ST’s)

Current ADP: 148.06 (Round 15)

The five spot was between the Lions defense, Matt Prater and Eric Ebron, and knowing that Ebron is more of a mid-to-low TE2 at this point and Prater is a kicker, the Lions defense seemed the more logical option.

The Lions defense ranked 11th in points for defense/special teams (128.00) and posted 42 sacks, 20 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, one safety, two defensive touchdowns and allowed 280 points (fourth in the NFL) last season.

The linebacker corps and secondary is solid again, making the only question mark to the defensive line.

With the losses of Ndamukong Suh, George Johnson and Nick Fairley on the defensive line, the Lions won’t get as much sacks and won’t be able to pressure the pocket as much this season.  Thus, it could mean less turnover possibilities for the Lions, which will cost you points.

But even with Ngata not being a long term solution in football, he should fit in fine for this season and should be able to produce for the Lions defense and filling in the holes left by Suh and Fairley.

Still, this defense was ranked second in the NFL last year and still has most of it’s parts coming back this season.  The defensive line is vulnerable, but should be strong enough to help create turnovers (and points).

If the top defenses are gone, taking the Lions defense as your starting defense/special teams at the end of your draft is a solid choice.

Next: 4. Joique Bell