Heading into the 2021 season, people are not very high on the Detroit Lions. They are entering a rebuild with a new general manager in Brad Holmes and head coach in Dan Campbell. But, even on the worst teams in the league, value can be found for Fantasy Football managers, with the Lions in the form of second-year running back D’Andre Swift.
Navigating the running back landscape in the world of Fantasy Football is never an easy one. The position has changed over time and with PPR leagues now becoming the norm, the way running backs are analyzed is different.
Gone are the days of the early-down grinders dominating early rounds of drafts. Fantasy Football managers want players that will get the job done on the ground and through the air, and Lions’ running back D’Andre Swift offers that upside.
Swift was selected with the 35th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He entered a crowded running back room that also had veteran Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson in the mix.
Despite that, Swift had a solid rookie season. He carried the ball 114 times for 521 yards and eight touchdowns. He was productive as a pass-catcher as well, turning 57 targets into 46 receptions for 357 yards and two more scores.
Despite the Lions being projected to lose plenty of games in 2021, Swift offers a ton of upside in Fantasy Football drafts.
What To Expect From D’Andre Swift In 2021
D’Andre Swift is in for a breakout 2021 season with the Detroit Lions. As long as the groin injury that is nagging him doesn’t persist into the regular season, he will produce some excellent numbers for the Lions and Fantasy Football managers alike.
Last season, Swift led the Lions with 10 total touchdowns and that was while sharing the backfield with two veterans and playing in only 13 games. Swift played only 38 percent of the snaps and that number will likely double, at least, in 2021.
Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson have both departed. Jamaal Williams was signed to add depth, but he is not a threat to overtake Swift in the starting lineup. The new coaching staff will also be beneficial for Swift, as Dan Campbell wants to set the tone running the ball and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn likes to get his running backs involved in the passing game.
That is music to the ears of Fantasy Football managers. With an improved offensive line, Swift is set up for a monster sophomore season.
The Georgia product will break the 1,000-yard rushing mark and add nine scores on the ground. With the Lions playing from behind often, Swift will also surpass the 100 target mark, reeling in 80 receptions for another 700 yards receiving and four more scores.
Swift will outperform his average draft position and will flirt with RB1 numbers in 2021.
If you want to bet on anything Lions related, check out Michigan sports betting.
