Detroit, Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid

Photo: USA Today Sports

As we race toward August, Footballguys.com will look at one team per day with our quick-hitting Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid, where we check out the overall mood of each team's offense and let you know the players we are in on (because they are great values at the cost it takes to acquire them) and who we're out on (because they are too expensive and won't give you a good return on that investment).

Go Deeper: See in-depth projections for every Lions player here >>>

This is a daily series that will stretch through July 31. If you like this and want another, come back tomorrow. Another will be here. And all 32 of them will be free to Insiders. To become an Insider, simply sign up with a free account.

And here are all of the Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid articles we've done so far:
Detroit | Green Bay | Houston | Indianapolis | Jacksonville | Kansas City | Las Vegas | LA Chargers | LA Rams | Miami | Minnesota | New England | New Orleans | NY Giants | NY Jets | Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | San Francisco | Seattle | Tampa Bay | Tennessee | Washington

Quick Hits

Want a brief overview? Here it is:

• General Vibes - Good
• We're In On at Cost - David Montgomery
• We're Out On at Cost - Sam LaPorta

Want a longer breakdown of how it's going in Detroit? Read on.

Lions, Team Vibes

• Good - 9
• Neutral - 3
• Bad - 0

Staffers with Good Vibes

• Dan Hindery: The offensive line and scheme are fantastic. If the rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta live up to the hype, this should be a Top 10 offense.
• Ben Cummins: Ben Johnson is one of the best offensive coordinators in the league, and Jared Goff’s strengths are accentuated by an elite offensive line.
• Nick Whalen: Detroit will be much more explosive on offense and easily improved from one of the worst defenses in football in 2022.
• Ryan Weisse: I like seeing growth. We saw steps forward last year and have to think that continues in 2023.
• Jeff Tefertiller: The offense found a groove last year and is primed to take another step forward with play-makers added at the skill positions.
• Dave Kluge: Jared Goff has proven that he belongs in the NFL and has a strong supporting cast around him on offense.
• Andy Hicks: They seem in a great position to challenge for the division with a good offense behind them
• Jeff Bell: Ben Johnson is one of the very best play callers in the league, and this team is loaded with weapons.
• Chad Parsons: An optimized offense with a rejuvenated Jared Goff. Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta added to an already good offense.

Staffers with Neutral Vibes

• Jason Wood: This idea that the Lions are on the cusp of contention isn't one I'm buying necessarily. They still have flaws on both sides of the ball, and I'm not convinced the coaching staff outside of OC Ben Johnson is good enough to elevate the team further.
• Jeff Haseley: While the Lions' needle is pointing up, there are still some obstacles to clear on both sides of the ball before I rank them atop the NFC North.
• Phil Alexander: The Jameson Williams suspension is a bummer. You have to wonder if Detroit has enough pass-catching depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, especially early in the season.

Staffers with Bad Vibes

• None.