SS Quandre Diggs fractured his hand in Week 4. The Lions face the Packers in Week 5.

Analysis: It's unclear if Diggs will be able to play with a cast on his hand, but it definitely limits his abilities in coverage. That could be extra relevant against Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, even though some wideouts may not be in the picture Sunday. The Lions have surprisingly been the second-best team against the pass this year, allowing just 171.8 yards per game through the air. Still, the ceiling is low with Rodgers throwing just one interception this season and the remaining skill players coughing…read more

The Lions allowed 10 points and 209 total yards in Week 3's loss to the Patriots. They'll play the Cowboys in Week 4.

Analysis: The Lions defense finally looked worthy after allowing 78 points over the previous two weeks, but the Patriots are 25th in the league this year with 300 total yards per game, so the opponent wasn't especially fierce. The Cowboys don't incite much fear, either, as they've mustered just 277.7 yards per game with just 145 coming through the air. Facing a passing attack with tons of holes is a the Lions' best route for success, since its front seven is much more talented than its secondary. Detroit…read more

The Lions lost to the 49ers 30-27 in Week 2. They'll play the Patriots in Week 3.

Analysis: The Lions have been excellent against the pass this season, allowing averaging 168 air yards through two games. They'll face their most-prolific pass-catching back yet in James White, who is second on the team in receiving yards. That could shake things up, along with the addition of WR Josh Gordon, who the Pats traded the Browns a late-round pick for. The Lions' secondary may have been performing well, but it's still a unit that is vulnerable and could easily be carved up by Tom Brady. Take a…read more

CB Nevin Lawson is in concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Analysis: Even if Lawson doesn't play, it's unlikely Packers wideouts Jordy Nelson (shoulder) or Davante Adams (concussion) play either, making it much easier on the Lions' troubled pass defense. QB Brett Hundley plays well on the road, but he coughed the ball up twice in Week 16, and the Lions have been ball hawks all season, nabbing 17 picks through 15 games. With a demoralized Packers unit that just got shutout at home by the Vikings, this matchup has high upside for a Lions team that's playing for…read more

DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) is fully healthy to play Sunday against the Bengals.

Analysis: Ansah nursed an ankle injury for a better part of the season, but he's no longer listed on the injury report at all. Bengals QB Andy Dalton was benched in Week 15 after he threw two interceptions, which puts the Lions in good position as they forced eight turnovers in the last two games. The Bengals have also scored just 14 combined points in the last two games and may be without starting RB Joe Mixon (concussion) again. Either way, the Lions have a solid floor in championship week with the…read more

CB Nevin Lawson is ill ahead of Saturday's game against the Bears.

Analysis: The Bears have the worst passing attack in the league, so missing a top corner wouldn't be a death sentence for the Lions. Detroit forced five turnovers last week, but they failed to force one in the two weeks before. Further, in these two teams first matchup of the season, the Bears scored 24 points and coughed up the ball just once. There's not much on the Lions side of the ball to prove that they're a good Week 15 play, but the Bears have recently lost their identity, scoring a combined 17…read more

DE Ezekiel Ansah continues to battle an ankle injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Ansah's pass rush would be helpful against a Bucs team that averages over 37 passes per game, the fifth most in the league. Tampa has scored 20-plus points in each of its last three games, only turning the ball over once in that span. The Lions on the other hand, have allowed 24 points or more in each of their last three games, only forcing one turnover in that span. The Bucs have one of the best receiving corps in the league, and since they aren't afraid to flaunt it, the Lions secondary could…read more

CB Jamal Agnew (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: Agnew is rarely used on defense, but he has contributed by running back to punts for touchdowns this season. The emergence of Ravens RB Alex Collins has made them a credible run offense, especially since their passing game is the worst in the league. The Lions welcome run-first offenses, though, as they've only allowed over 100 rushing yards twice through 11 games, and they rank sixth in the league with eight forced fumbles. Still, the Ravens are never an easy matchup on the road, although the…read more

Ezekiel Ansah (back) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: Ansah would be valuable against the Vikings, as they have a strong offensive line and the eighth-ranked rushing offense in the league. However, he only notched three tackles when the two teams met in Week 4. In that contest, the Lions managed to force three turnovers and allow only 284 yards of total offense, but they lost the decision 14-7. Vikings' QB Case Keenum has coughed up the ball five times in the last five games, which bodes well for the Lions chances of snagging another one.…read more

DE Ezekiel Ansah continues to deal with a knee injury ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Bears.

Analysis: The Bears are equipped with two stud running backs -- Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen -- but the Lions ninth-ranked run defense looks ready for the matchup. Chicago enters this game with 16 turnovers; however, they've given up only two in the last three contests, showing improvements with rookie QB Mitchell Trubisky. The Lions' defense may bend a little bit against in a tough road matchup, but they're skilled enough to keep the Bears out of the end zone and produce a top-tier fantasy performance.

DE Ezekiel Ansah is nursing a knee injury ahead of Sunday's contest against the Browns.

Analysis: The Browns' weekly opponent should continue to draw fantasy owners' to the waiver wire once again. To give credit where it's due, the Lions have held their last two opponents to 20 points or less, forcing just two turnovers in that span, which is uncharacteristic of a defense that racked up 14 turnovers in its first six games. The Browns provide an ample opportunity to get back on track, since they've coughed up the ball 11 times in their last four contests, while averaging 14 points a game in…read more