Our friends at Touchdown Wire ranked every offense in the NFL entering the 2020 season. Taking into account all the factors, from QB play to depth to the line, all 32 teams go under the microscope and get sorted out.
The Lions check in at No. 18 on the list. It’s a fitting ranking given the team finished 18th in both scoring and yards per play in 2019, albeit playing half the year without starting QB Matthew Stafford.
Stafford is back for 2020, but there are other questions that keep the Lions from ascending the list.
Stafford is expected to be healthy for the year ahead, but the Lions’ offense still has questions up front. Can Halapoulivaati Vaitai be this team’s right tackle? Who fills the spot at right guard, Oday Aboushi or rookie Jonah Jackson? If Stafford can stay healthy, the team has weapons, including Kenny Golladay and second-round pick D’Andre Swift, who can be an asset in the passing game. Fifth-round pick Quintez Cephus is also a player to watch at the WR spot. If they get a full season from Stafford, this offense could be much improved over 2019.
It’s a fair-minded look at how the Lions offense is perceived outside of Detroit. The upside with a healthy Stafford is significantly higher than the No. 18 ranking, sandwiched between the Steelers and Texans — especially if the overhauled right side of the line comes together.
[lawrence-related id=44076]