Seattle @ Detroit
Team Totals: Lions 26.5, Seahawks 21.5
Even as Patrick Mahomes failed to capitalize due to a whopping eight drops by his receivers and Travis Kelce’s absence, Detroit’s pass defense looked quite vulnerable in Week 1 against the Chiefs. The Lions didn’t sack Mahomes once on 39 dropbacks after last year surrendering the most fantasy quarterback points in the league. On Opening Day, Geno Smith was stymied by a combination of factors. Rams DC Raheem Morris frequently dropped eight into coverage — smothering Seattle’s wide receivers — while Seahawks starting OTs Charles Cross (toe) and Abe Lucas (knee, I.R.) both got hurt. Seattle also ran only 12 offensive plays in the second half; over the course of the game, the Rams’ offense ran 78 plays versus the Seahawks’ pathetic 46. While still worried about his offensive line situation, I’m backing Smith as a high-end QB2 in a plus matchup beneath Ford Field’s dome. … Kenneth Walker operated as Seattle’s clear lead back in Week 1’s defeat, handling 16 touches on 32 snaps. DeeJay Dallas (3, 11) and rookie Zach Charbonnet (3, 11) shared backup duties. The Lions’ defensive front sprung no leaks against Chiefs running backs in Week 1, yet Walker’s role and explosive-play ability render him an upside RB1/2 here.
Smith’s Week 1 target distribution: Walker, DK Metcalf, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba 5; Tyler Lockett 4; Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson 2; Dallas 1. … As Geno threw for only 112 yards in Week 1, it should come as no surprise that all of his receivers flopped against the Rams. Metcalf survived with a 10-yard TD catch in the second quarter and afterward admitted his effort level wasn’t up to par. Last year’s Lions gave up the NFL’s third-most fantasy WR points.
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