Detroit’s red-zone woes in Week 1 against Green Bay capped a challenging start, with four trips inside the 20 yielding one touchdown and 13 points. A better run-pass mix, sharper protection, and smarter play design in the red zone could unlock more scoring. The Lions can lean on Gibbs and Montgomery in the run game, while LaPorta and Williams should be focal points once O-line cohesion improves and play-calling becomes more versatile inside the 20.

Detroit’s offense stuttered in Week 1 as Green Bay seized momentum early and held the Lions out of the end zone for most of the day. Isaac TeSlaa’s three snaps produced the Lions’ lone TD, but a late spark wasn’t enough. Brian Branch posted an 85.1 grade on defense, the best of Lions defenders with double-digit snaps, while Penei Sewell anchored the line for a 70.8 O-line grade amid interior-blocking struggles. Jared Goff was efficient (31-of-39) but navigated a shaky interior, finishing with a middling overall grade; Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown offered some bite, but the offense couldn’t sustain drives. On the flip side, the Packers’ defense and special-teams energy stung Detroit, and a costly penalty on Rock Ya-Sin muted a potential swing. The Lions must tighten inside and find a more reliable rhythm in Week 2.

Detroit’s 53-man roster sits at an average age of 26.60, the fourth-oldest in the NFL and third in the NFC, with three spots still open as teams finalize. The Lions’ age profile has crept up from 2024’s 25.73, signaling depth built around talent and performance, not just potential. The youngest on the roster are Terrion Arnold, Dominic Lovett, Tyleik Williams, and Mekhi Wingo at 22, while Graham Glasgow is the veteran anchor at 33. After cutdown day, waivers and a practice squad haul loom large. This age mix reshapes fantasy odds, spotlighting developmental players who could break through and veterans who maintain floor value in a games-ready offense.

Beyond Arnold and Glasgow, the piece underscores Detroit’s challenge: balancing immediate contributions with long-term upside. With three open roster spots and the depth now in view, fantasy managers should monitor how the Lions allocate roles on defense and receiver depth, especially for youngsters who could rise into roles as the season unfolds. The Lions’ approach combines youth with proven presence, affecting both redraft and dynasty strategies as players cycle through waivers and practice squads.

The Lions faced a preseason-ending scare as Ezekiel Turner left with a potentially significant lower-right-leg injury, possibly an Achilles, after which coach Dan Campbell noted tests would determine severity. Graham Glasgow avoided major damage and Sione Vaki’s hamstring issues could extend, leaving Detroit to juggle linebacker depth and special-teams roles early.

With Turner’s role up for grabs and Vaki’s status uncertain, fantasy players should monitor defensive depth and return specialists. Glasgow’s status stabilizes the interior line for now, but any setback could ripple into protection schemes and short-yardage packages as Week 1 looms.