How Much Fantasy Value Does Jared Goff Have In Detroit?
Jared Goff is the new quarterback of the Detroit Lions. Nobody with a brain seems to have a ton of optimism that this pairing will work long term. Regardless, we still need to decipher what kind of fantasy value Goff has with the Lions? Does he have any value? The truth of the matter is, Goff’s fantasy outlook appears to have a ton of possible outcomes.
Isn’t there a realm of possibility Goff surprises from a fantasy perspective? I’m aware that both Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones skipped town. It’s TJ Hockenson (who Alex pointed out is correctly overrated) and a bunch of unproven toys at wide out. Maybe the weapons aren’t great, but why can’t a Amon-Ra St. Brown or Quintez Cephus surprise somehow?
The coaching staff is also a disaster. Dan Campbell might be really good at biting knee caps, but I’m not sure he can coach. I already know Anthony Lynn is a disaster, and that guy is the offensive coordinator now. There’s a shot here Goff gets benched by Week 6, and we never really hear from the guy again. In that case, there is no value.
Detroit continues to persist that Goff is not a bridge quarterback:
“I never viewed him as a bridge option,” Brad Holmes said, via Mike O’Hara of DetroitLions.com. “He’s been a winning quarterback. I think his resume speaks for itself.”
Goff, 26, finished 22nd and 23rd in Total QBR in 2019 and ’20 with Sean McVay on a loaded offense, but whatever you say, chief.
We know Goff can’t play but this is fantasy! If the Lions are adamant Goff is the guy, there is an interesting little wrinkle here.
Bad Defense? Check.
Bad Team? Check.
Trailing Constantly? Check.
Are we getting ready for the poor man Jameis Winston experience in Detroit? Remember, Goff led the NFL in attempts during the 2019 season with 626. There’s a chance he’s around that number with the Lions in 2021 based solely on game script. This is going to be a horrendous football team constantly trailing in a dome where you don’t have to worry about weather conditions. Do I smell sneaky fantasy success?
Goff threw just 42 touchdowns over the last two years combined, but that number could increase. Add in a bunch of garbage time 4th quarter touchdowns, and that number could hover around 30 or high 20’s.
Personally, I think Jared Goff sucks. I wouldn’t go near the guy. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if a decent fantasy season comes out of it. Goff doesn’t have to play well. He’s just set up for garbage time fantasy success. That part, I can absolutely buy.
