2012 Team Outlook: Detroit
PK Jason Hanson, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
If Jason Hanson's career was a person, it'd be able to buy alcohol this season. Hanson is entering his 21st year as the Detroit Lions kicker. There have been lean years and there have been rich years. Since this offense scored the fourth-most points in the NFL last year, Hanson is most certainly a kicker to consider in the final round of your draft. Detroit's offense could continue to improve with the potential emergence of Titus Young and Mikel Leshoure, which means more points for Hanson.
Detroit - Solid/Safe Pick
FANTASY PROFILE / STATS & MORE
Detroit's defense had three games where it produced two touchdowns. These high-scoring performances skew the numbers a bit. While points count all the same, the Lions' up and down play isn't ideal and should be considered one of the more risky options among the Top 10 defenses. Another good year would go a long way in establishing them as one of the better fantasy defenses. The Lions saw a big improvement in their pass defense, which limited big plays compared to years past. It's also worth noting that they will play the Packers twice, so starting them in those weeks is certainly a gamble.
Update (8/12): With the loss of cornerback Eric Wright to free agency, the release of his replacement Aaron Berry and the injury to safety Louis Delmas, this defense looks troubled. Delmas could be back before Week 1, but the appearance that this defense is in flux could slide them down some people's draft boards.
