Moving through the NFC North, we come to the Lions, they of the 0-16 record last season. Despite that perfect imperfection, Detroit wasn’t quite a fantasy wasteland last year, with Calvin Johnson emerging as an elite fantasy receiver and Kevin Smith delivering an above-average rookie season.

Quarterbacks: The Lions took Matthew Stafford with the No. 1 overall pick, and you have to figure he’ll take the starting reins from Daunte Culpepper at some point, if not in Week 1. Because rookie quarterbacks — especially ones on the worst team in NFL history — rarely put up decent fantasy stats. If he turns into the next Matt Ryan, you can pick him up during the season, but you can safely avoid him on draft day, as well as Culpepper.

Running backs: Smith put up good numbers and should continue to improve in 2009, but because he’s a Lion, I wouldn’t trust him as more than a low-end RB2 … with potential.

Wide receivers: In just his second season, Calvin Johnson exploded for 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns. With slightly better quarterbacks, he might improve upon those numbers, but he might not. He’s a clear WR1, but don’t be surprised if 2008 was a fluke and 2009 produces WR2 numbers. On the other side, Bryant Johnson will start in his first year in Detroit. Don’t expect better than WR4 numbers from him, and on draft day, make sure you are drafting the right Johnson.

Tight ends: The Lions’ productive draft continued after Stafford with the selection of Brandon Pettigrew, regarded as the top TE in the draft and a great blocker. From a fantasy perspective, however, he might not deliver numbers expected from the top rookie tight end. With a deep stable of TE2s in this year’s fantasy draft board, Pettigrew will be nothing more than an in-season free-agent pickup.

Kicker: Jason Hanson kicks indoors and is still somewhat reliable. But he’s a Lion; therefore, he’s no more than a fantasy backup.