Detroit Def for real? (1 Viewer)

[KingEl]

I was always excited this year to see some of my offensive players go up against Detroits Def thinking they would shred. I guess I wasn't paying attention and -suddenly - I look at the stats and notice Detroit getting alot of sacks, turnovers and lowering yds allowed and pts. Are they for real? How did they turn around?

They're actually on my waiver wire, and I am wondering if they're a decent pickup for the rest of the year based on matchup?

 

[NJ OAK]

I was always excited this year to see some of my offensive players go up against Detroits Def thinking they would shred. I guess I wasn't paying attention and -suddenly - I look at the stats and notice Detroit getting alot of sacks, turnovers and lowering yds allowed and pts. Are they for real? How did they turn around?They're actually on my waiver wire, and I am wondering if they're a decent pickup for the rest of the year based on matchup?

No.

 

[LionsFan78]

Actually, yes.

They'll rarely pitch you a shutout, but much like the Bengals of a few years ago, they're a legit fantasy defense based on turnovers. Unless you're league penalizes heavily for points-allowed, they should be rostered.

 

[milo66]

Detroit's the top scorer and a Free Agent in one of my leagues (I'm in two), as well. Meanwhile, there's one team in that same league who drafted the Bears at 5.1 and the Ravens at 7.1. It hardly needs to be said, but never NEVER draft a defense before Round 12.

 

[sho nuff]

Good...for real? Not convinced...their 3 biggest games came against Griese (X2), Tarvaris Jackson, and Patrick Ramsey (score was 6-0 when Cutler went out).

Combined record of teams they beat 24-33.

Combined record of teams they will face the 2nd half of the season? 41-23.

 

[dickey moe]

They're the top scoring defense/ST in one of my leagues and still available on the waiver wire. They've greatly surpassed expectations this season.

Another reason why you should almost ALWAYS wait until one of your final rounds to draft a defense. The variance is very high, and it's too difficult to form projections for Def/Special Teams performance.

 

[Foosball God]

Any team that gets most of their points based of turnovers is going to be feast or famine. As long as you're prepared to live with that then they are a decent defensive team to have. Teams that have a good offensive line and a veteran QB will rip the Lions apart. If Detroit can get their front four involved then it's going to be a long day for the opposing team.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I'd say play them at home and in good matchups on the road

 

[KingEl]

Any team that gets most of their points based of turnovers is going to be feast or famine. As long as you're prepared to live with that then they are a decent defensive team to have. Teams that have a good offensive line and a veteran QB will rip the Lions apart. If Detroit can get their front four involved then it's going to be a long day for the opposing team.

So would you put Arizona this week in the group with a good line and vet QB? Warner can be turnover prone. I'm thinking it might not be a bad matchup

 

[kwantam]

So would you put Arizona this week in the group with a good line and vet QB? Warner can be turnover prone. I'm thinking it might not be a bad matchup

By no means should you consider me authoritative on the subject, but for the record I'm certainly starting them against Ari this week. I don't know if they'll even remain on my roster after this week, though (picked them up last week as spot fill vs. Denver at home---man was that nice!).-=kwantam

 

[Warhogs]

I believe they will continue to be startable in a system that rewards a lot of points for turnovers and sacks. I think they are legit inn those categories.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I don't think that they are for real.

I think they are better than what I thought they'd be, but when matched up against any top 15 offense, I think they'll crack.

 

[skillz]

I think they are startable at home v. teams like Green Bay, and KC, and on the road this week against Arizona since Warner is a turnover machine. Minn on the road is another option if Jackson is starting.

Other than that I would not be confident starting them. I would not want to rely on them every week going forward since they have a pretty tough schedule coming up against the Giants, SD, etc. Just remember this is the Lions we are talking about here and they have the potential to really lay an egg on the road at times (i.e. the Philly game). They are a much different team at home than on the road in my opinion.

 

[Spartans Rule]

The Lions still have major issues in the secondary. The defensive line is awesome, and it defends the run well and generates a lot of pressure, but any team that control the Lions' pass rush and has a decent QB will just shred the Detroit pass defense.

With Green Bay twice, Dallas, San Diego and the Giants all on the second-half schedule, it may be wise to stay away.