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Detroit Lions Defense Carries Streamer Appeal in Week 9
The Detroit Lions defense got off to a terrible start to the 2026 season, allowing 31.8 points per game through the first four weeks. However, Detroit's defense has started to turn things around lately, holding the Green Bay Packers to 17 points in Week 7 and the Minnesota Vikings to 15 points in Week 8. In Week 9, the Lions will take on the Miami Dolphins. Miami has struggled offensively so far this year, ranking 31st in the NFL in points per game (16.7). The Lions will be without several key defensive players on Sunday, as linebacker Jack Campbell (neck), cornerback D.J. Reed (hip), and edge rusher D.J. Wonnum (concussion) have all been ruled out. Still, fantasy managers could look to the Lions defense as a viable streaming option in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Detroit Lions Defense is Still Tough to Trust in Week 8
The Detroit Lions defense has been a much-maligned unit in 2026, and for good reason. The Lions have allowed the second-most total passing yards (1,881) and touchdown passes in the NFL (16) through seven weeks. However, Detroit has been a bit better recently, holding the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers to a combined 38 points in their last two games. The Lions have also gotten their pass rush going, ranking second in the NFL with 21 sacks. In Week 8, Detroit will take on the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota's offense has had some issues so far this season, as they've scored more than 23 points just once in six games. Even so, Detroit's defense has had enough issues that it is tough for fantasy managers to trust. The Lions defense has moved out of must-avoid status, but managers should still go in a different direction if possible in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Detroit Lions Defense Remains Tough to Trust in Week 4
The Detroit Lions defense has struggled mightily to open 2026, allowing an average of 31.7 points per game through the first three weeks. Detroit has been a mid-pack unit against the run, but the Lions currently rank dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed (979) and second-to-last in passing touchdowns allowed (nine). The Lions could be in for another long game in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, who lead the NFL in total passing yards (939) through three games. While Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) is questionable to play on Sunday, top Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (rib) is also listed as questionable due to a rib injury. The Lions defense could get some help from the weather, as the forecast in Charlotte on Sunday currently calls for rain and wind. Still, fantasy managers should avoid starting the Lions D/ST in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
Kerby Joseph Hits a Snag in Recovery
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (knee) continues to rehab his knee injury, but the process has taken longer than anticipated. Head coach Dan Campbell discussed his status on Tuesday, noting that Joseph won't return until after fellow safety Brian Branch (knee) is back. Joseph and Branch are both on the PUP list, and while the latter could return as soon as he's eligible to be activated on October 5th, it doesn't sound like that's the case for the former. Campbell stopped short of saying Joseph had a true setback, but he did admit that "there was a time there where we weren't able to do everything we needed to do." He said that Joseph won't play until his knee has returned to its maximum strength and he feels confident in the body part, presumably while running and making cuts. Joseph has spent all four of his pro seasons with the Lions, and he was a First-Team All-Pro in 2024 after picking off nine passes that season. Last year, he had 18 tackles and three interceptions before the knee issue cut his campaign short.
Source: Detroit Lions
Source: Detroit Lions
Brian Branch Getting Closer to a Return?
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (Achilles) appears to be making progress in his recovery, even though a return isn't imminent. Head coach Dan Campbell fielded questions about his injured safeties Tuesday, saying that Branch is closer to returning than Kerby Joseph (knee). That doesn't necessarily narrow down the timeline, but it's worth noting that Branch is eligible to be activated from the PUP list as early as October 5th. Thomas Harper and offseason addition Chuck Clark have filled in at safety in the meantime. The Lions would welcome a Branch return with open arms, as the former first-round pick made the Pro Bowl in 2024 before registering 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and five tackles for loss in 2025.
Source: Detroit Lions
Source: Detroit Lions
