Detroit Fantasy Football Week #9 Preview: Lions won’t break road losing streak against Seattle

November 6, 7:13 AMDetroit Fantasy Sports ExaminerDarwin (Deni) Martin

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QB Matthew Stafford scores the Lions' only touchdown against the Rams.  Detroit will need at least 2 TD's to beat the Seahawks Sunday. (AP Photo)

Circumstances make it unlikely that the Detroit Lions will break their 15-game road losing streak this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Their top 3 fantasy football players – Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford – are still recovering from their respective injuries and the team’s performance against the Rams last Sunday has to be viewed as a step backward.

With the anticipated return of Calvin Johnson (see Examiner Chris Morgan’s article), the Lions should have a more balanced and productive offensive attack. Unfortunately, they still have to play defense and Detroit will have problems preventing Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck from tossing to 5 different receivers and putting at least 2 touchdowns on the scoreboard. In a reversal of last week’s predicted final score, it’s Seattle 20, Detroit 10.

Predictions

“The Lion who will roar”:  By my own convoluted process of elimination, it’s Matthew Stafford. Stafford seemed rusty in his return as the starting QB last week against St. Louis, but he’ll have Calvin Johnson back at wide receiver and the two-back rushing attack of Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris. Plus the Seahawk secondary is a bit beaten up.  Stafford will have better than usual fantasy numbers, but he'll need some help from the Lions defense to beat the Seahawks.

“On Par Lions”:  Calvin Johnson is returning just in time to have an ordinary game. If he catches 10 passes against the Seahawks, we should do cartwheels. More likely, he’ll have 6 catches for 75 yards and maybe a touchdown. In a fantasy league, those are ordinary numbers.

“Bench that Lion”:  Kevin Smith is hurting and Maurice Morris is due for more carries. Head Coach Jim Schwartz can say Smith is the #1 running back, but Morris is averaging more yards per carry and deserves a chance to run more against his old teammates in Seattle.  Expect Lions Offensive Coordinator Scott LInehan to split the carries between Smith and Morris.

“I wish I had him this week”:  For Detroit fantasy owners with stars from other teams, here are three players that should have a better than average game in week #9:
• Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore – Rice was on a streak of 70 or more fantasy points until the Broncos held him down to 59 in their showdown. Rice bounces back to the 70+ clip against the Bengals.
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay – Rodgers may be sacked by some Bucs, but he’ll still ring up some points throwing to a lot of different Packer receivers
• Randy Moss, WR, New England – Somehow it seems like a trip down memory lane. Expect Moss to have a great day against the Dolphins.

“Expect a Downturn”:  Here are three players whose performances will take a slide:
• Steve Slaton, RB, Houston – Never expected to list him in this group, but his problem with fumbles and the success of Ryan Moats running the ball last Sunday makes it quite likely that Slaton will get fewer carries this week against the Colts.
• Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego – Tomlinson seems healthy and is carrying the rushing load for the Chargers, while Sproles seems to be playing less and less each week.
• Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego – Was originally listed as “questionable” due to a foot problem. Healthy or not, the Giants are the best team at neutralizing an opposing tight end.

Which players do you think will surprise or disappoint us in week #9?  Here’s your opportunity to share your opinions and expertise with other fantasy sports enthusiasts and me. You can submit your predictions by choosing to “Comment” on this story or email me at deni-martin@att.net.

Next Fantasy Football article: A recap of fantasy football week #9.