RADIO
Sione Vaki Remains Tough to Rely on in Week 4 Despite Increasing Usage
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has seen little involvement in his team's offense so far in 2026, recording 75 scrimmage yards on 12 touches across three games. However, the 25-year-old had his usage scaled up in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, recording six carries for 26 yards and an 11-yard reception while playing a season-high 31% of his team's offensive snaps. As long as superstar Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs remains healthy, Vaki's production upside is limited. Still, Gibbs currently leads the NFL in touches, which may not be sustainable if Detroit hopes to keep him healthy throughout an 18-week season. If he sees another small bump in workload, Vaki could have some chances to score fantasy points in his Week 4 matchup against the Panthers. Carolina has had trouble against the run early on, allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry and six total rushing touchdowns through three games. Vaki should not yet be trusted as a starter, but he could be worth stashing in deeper league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs Could Be Poised for Monster Week in Favorable Week 4 Matchup
Across three games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 463 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 83 touches. Gibbs has been productive on the ground, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and collecting four rushing touchdowns. He's also taken on an even larger role in the Lions' passing game this season, hauling in 18 catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 21 targets. Gibbs could be poised for another high-usage day in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have had major issues defending the run so far this season, allowing an NFL-worst 5.7 yards per carry and six total rushing touchdowns. Even if the Lions find themselves chasing points, Gibbs' involvement as a receiver out of the backfield should provide him with a safe production floor. Gibbs profiles as a must-start, high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff a Solid QB1 Option in Week 4
Three games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 70.6% of his pass attempts for 806 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With the Lions' defense struggling, Goff is averaging 36.3 pass attempts per game and has led the Detroit offense to three straight 30-plus-point performances. In Week 4, Goff and the Lions could find themselves in another high-scoring affair against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has been fairly stingy against the pass so far this season, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) in the NFL. However, the Panthers placed starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. If Carolina's offense torches Detroit's 32nd-ranked pass defense, Goff could turn to the air early and often against the Panthers' banged-up secondary. Fantasy managers should view Goff as a solid QB1 option in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff Maintaining High-End Value as Clean Streak Continues
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has yet to commit a turnover this season, and his role in a high-volume passing offense has vaulted him to QB6 in overall fantasy scoring through three weeks. Although he's not the most flashy name out there, Goff has enjoyed another very productive start to the season. So far, he has completed 70.6% of his pass attempts for 802 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also has just seven sacks and zero fumbles. Goff has a great supporting cast around him that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs. Additionally, Gibbs' dominance in the rushing game forces defenses to play conservatively, so they can't sell out to defend the pass every play. The Lions have yet to win a game by more than seven points this year, but Goff and his offense are a huge reason why Detroit is above .500 through the first three weeks. He should continue to be deployed as a mid-to-low QB1 in weekly fantasy matchups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jameson Williams Won't be Charged in Alleged Assault Case
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams won't be charged in an alleged assault case, according to Dave Birkett and John Wisely of the Detroit Free Press. Williams was investigated earlier this month after a woman accused him of assaulting her in August, but the Oakland County prosecutors will not issue any charges. "Based on the facts presented to us at this time, the Novi Police and our office jointly concluded that there is no cause to file charges against Mr. Williams," a statement read, in part. Williams' attorneys, Jason Lampert and Larry Margolis, told the Free Press that "Mr. Williams unequivocally denies the allegation of domestic violence." The Lions said on Wednesday that the team was aware of the investigation, but did not comment further. It appears that Williams will be able to put this matter behind him and focus on the 2026 season. He has 10 catches for 127 yards through three games this season.
Source: Dave Birkett and John Wisely - Detroit Free Press
Source: Dave Birkett and John Wisely - Detroit Free Press
Amon-Ra St. Brown Scores a Touchdown in Otherwise Quiet Day
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recorded four receptions for just 19 yards (4.8 yards per catch) and a touchdown in a 31-24 victory over the New York Jets in Week 3. St. Brown did see eight targets on the day, which was tied for the team high, but he wasn't able to produce much outside of his four-yard touchdown. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs led the Lions in receptions on the day with seven, while Isaac TeSlaa led the team in receiving yards with 66 (one more than Gibbs). While the touchdown saved the day in Week 3, fantasy managers don't have much to worry about with St. Brown moving forward. Through three games, St. Brown has tallied 35 targets, 23 receptions, 228 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He remains a high-end WR1 moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs Explodes For Three-TD Day Against Jets
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs logged 20 carries for 99 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding seven receptions for 75 yards and one receiving touchdown in a 31-24 win against the New York Jets. It is the third week straight that Gibbs has been productive in both the ground and the air game, although it was especially impressive in Week 3 against a Jets defense that allowed the fewest yards in the league heading into Sunday's game in Detroit. Gibbs remains a top fantasy producer across various league formats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sam LaPorta Has Quiet Day Against Jets
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was expected to have a big Week 3 against the New York Jets, but caught just three passes for 44 yards and no touchdowns in a 31-24 home victory. The veteran saw increased involvement to start the 2026 season, getting targeted eight times in Week 1 and seven times in Week 2. He disappointed by falling behind even running back Jahmyr Gibbs on the stats sheet, who had seven catches for 65 yards and one touchdown in the air. Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown had four receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown, and second-year receiver Isaac TeSlaa had three receptions for 66 yards. LaPorta is listed as a TE5 in RotoBaller's position rankings, but was a bust in Week 3.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kerby Joseph Hopeful he Will Return Later This Year
Per The Ringer's Tom Pelissero, Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (knee) is hopeful that he will be available to help the Lions "down the stretch." Joseph remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and has been dealing with a cartilage issue in his knee. The 25-year-old defensive back also missed time in training camp this summer with a personal issue, which set back his rehab timeline. Joseph initially injured his knee in Week 6 of last year. While on the PUP list, Joseph will be forced to miss at least the first four games of the 2026 season, but his absence is going to stretch much deeper into the year. Brian Branch (Achilles) is also on the PUP list for Detroit, which has thinned their secondary and forced both Avonte Maddox and Chuck Clark into bigger roles. Joseph, a former third-rounder in 2022 from Illinois, only played in six games last year and finished with 18 combined tackles after having 80-plus combined tackles in each of his first three years in the NFL with Detroit.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Lions D/ST a Unit to Avoid in Week 3
Through its first two games of 2026, the Lions' defense has struggled mightily. Detroit is allowing an average of 35.5 points per game and ranks 31st in total passing yards allowed (658). In Week 3, the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets offense has been mid-pack so far this season, ranking 15th in yards per pass attempt (7.1) but just 28th in yards per carry (3.3). Still, New York's passing game should have success against a Lions secondary that has been extremely ineffective and is also ravaged by injuries. Detroit entered the year without both starting safeties, Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (Achilles), and will now be without top reserve safeties Avonte Maddox (foot) and Thomas Harper (ankle) in Week 3. Where possible, fantasy managers should avoid the Lions D/ST against the Jets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Low-End Starting Kicker Option in Week 3
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been perfect to open 2026, making both of his field goal attempts and converting all eight of his extra-point tries through two games. In Week 3, Bates and the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets defense has been stingy early in the year, allowing just 15 points per game across their first two contests. While the Lions have put up points on offense so far this year, their efficiency in the red zone has actually hurt Bates in that he hasn't had many chances to kick field goals yet. Still, the strong Jets defense could slow Detroit down and keep them out of the end zone. Bates also has the advantage of kicking indoors at Ford Field, taking any potential weather concerns out of play. In Week 3, Bates profiles as a low-end starting kicker option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam LaPorta Well-Positioned for Continued Success in Week 3
Across two games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 11 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. The 25-year-old has established himself as the number two option in the Lions' passing game, behind only star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. In Week 3, LaPorta will square off against a New York Jets defense that currently ranks second in the NFL in both total passing yards (285) and yards per pass attempt (4.7) allowed. The Jets did a nice job against Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft in Week 2, holding him to 15 receiving yards on two catches. Still, the Lions may be forced into a pass-heavy game script by their struggling defense, which has been one of the worst in the NFL so far. As long as he continues to see adequate target volume, LaPorta profiles as a steady TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaac TeSlaa Remains a Risky Start in Week 3
Two games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has recorded two catches for 26 yards on six targets. The 24-year-old has established himself as the clear WR3 in Detroit, playing 68% of his team's offensive snaps in Week 1 and 75% of the snaps in Week 2. However, the Lions have several pass-catchers ahead of TeSlaa on the target pecking order in wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. As long as those guys remain healthy, TeSlaa is unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role in Detroit. Making matters even more challenging for TeSlaa, the Lions face a New York Jets defense in Week 3 that currently ranks second in the NFL in both total passing yards (285) and yards per pass attempt (4.7) allowed. All in all, fantasy managers should avoid TeSlaa on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jameson Williams a Risky Boom/Bust Wide Receiver Option in Week 3
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has gotten off to a slow start to the 2026 season, recording six catches for 78 yards on 13 targets across his first two games played. With Lions tight end Sam LaPorta now healthy after missing the second half of the 2025 season with a back injury, Williams appears to be the number three option in his team's passing game behind LaPorta and star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. In Week 3, Williams and the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets have fielded a tough pass defense so far this year, ranking second in the NFL in both total passing yards (285) and yards per pass attempt (4.7) allowed. With Williams' ability to make plays down the field and after the catch, he still carries explosive upside. However, fantasy managers must factor in that his bust potential in his current role is high as well. Heading into Week 3, Williams profiles as a high-ceiling, low-floor WR2/3 option against the Jets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amon-Ra St. Brown Remains a Top Wide Receiver Option in Week 3
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has gotten off to a dominant start to the 2026 season, recording 19 catches for 209 yards and four touchdowns on 27 targets across his first two games played. The Lions have been forced into pass-heavy game scripts because of their struggling defense, and St. Brown remains the clear number one option in his team's passing game. In Week 3, the Lions will host the New York Jets. The Jets have been tough to pass on so far this season, ranking second in the NFL in both total passing yards (285) and yards per pass attempt (4.7) allowed. While that adds an element of uncertainty to St. Brown's outlook, the 26-year-old has been one of the most reliable target-earners in fantasy football in recent seasons. All in all, St. Brown profiles as a must-start WR1 for fantasy managers in Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
