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Sharpening the Claws: How the Lions Level Up Next Season

January 5, 2026

The Detroit Lions have officially entered a new era, one defined by expectations, not rebuilding. After proving they belong among the NFL’s top teams, anything short of a deep playoff run now feels like a disappointment. To take the next step and truly contend for a Super Bowl, the Lions must address a few areas this offseason.

Lean even harder into the passing game (without abandoning balance)

Jared Goff may never be flashy, but in PPR leagues, boring efficiency is gold. Detroit’s offensive line gives Goff time to distribute, and when the Lions are aggressive early, the offense hums.

What needs to improve:

• More designed short and intermediate throws
• Increased tempo on early downs
• Fewer conservative stretches when holding a lead

In PPR, volume beats highlights. Detroit already has the infrastructure to be a top-five pass offense in catch totals, they just need to commit to it consistently.

Fantasy impact:

• Goff becomes a reliable QB2 with weekly QB1 upside
• More sustained drives = more receptions across the board
• Higher snap counts for slot and pass-catching weapons

Define clear receiving roles (and stick to them)

The Lions’ receiving room is talented, but fantasy managers thrive on predictability.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is already elite:

• Target monster
• Red-zone threat
• One of the safest first-round PPR picks in fantasy

Fantasy impact:

• St Brown remains a top-3 PPR WR
• Secondary receivers become usable flex options instead of boom-bust darts
• Defensive attention on Amon-Ra creates easier receptions elsewhere

Unlock the RB’s in the passing game

Detroit’s backfield is productive, but in PPR formats, receptions are a cheat code.

The Lions don’t need to change personnel, they need to change usage:

• More RB option routes
• More checkdowns by design, not necessity
• Involving back on early-downs, not just 3rd and long

Fantasy impact:

• Lions RBs gain weekly PPR floors
• Fewer TD-or-bust Performances
• Increased red-zone efficiency through mismatch creation

TE consistency is missing PPR piece

Detroit’s TE production flashes, but fantasy managers need weekly usability, not occasional explosions.

What the Lions need:

• More schemed TE targets
• Usage between the numbers
• Defined red-zone packages

The Fantasy Bottom Line

The Lions don’t need a rebuild, they need refinement. From a PPR fantasy football lens, the path forward is clear:

• Prioritize performance over raw explosiveness
• Define roles to stabilize weekly value
• Use the passing game to raise everyone’s floor

If Detroit takes the next step offensively, they won’t just contend for a Super Bowl, they’ll become one of the most fantasy friendly teams in football. And in PPR leagues, that’s the kind of team you draft early, often, and confidently.

Chris, Author

A once–wannabe pro football player whose career was cut short by injuries, Chris stayed in the game by trading pads for perspective. A diehard Lions fan and aspiring journalist, he brings grit, edge, and honesty to every breakdown. When he’s not talking ball, he’s baking or rapping for fun because the grind doesn’t stop, it just changes.