The Detroit Lions have two strong options at running back with Joique Bell and Ameer Abdullah and in Week 1 those players could be fantasy football sleeper options for owners against the Chargers. The Lions offense should be very productive again and some fantasy starter options for the team include Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Eric Ebron for Matthew Stafford.
The Lions drafted Abdullah this offseason and the team is hoping that he can step into the role that Reggie Bush had while he was in Detroit. Bush was an ace receiver out of the backfield and also could return kicks and Abdullah could handle some of those responsibilities in his rookie season. Bell is listed as the top running back on the depth chart, but it is expected that both Bell and Abdullah will get work in Week 1 for the Lions.
According to DetroitLions.com, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi spoke about Abdullah and said that the rookie should play "extensively" in the first game against the Chargers. Lombardi said that Abdullah will get involved in the passing game and that he will "play a lot" along with Bell. This summer Bell has dealt with some injuries and while Abdullah has not played much in the preseason, the Lions are not worried about him adjusting to the NFL after playing at Nebraska.
Michael Rothstein at ESPN reports that Abdullah got extra work in practice this week and that he will be a "fairly major" part of what the team does in the first week of the season. Lombardi called Abdullah a "well-rounded player" and that he will be "rotated in" for Bell. Rothstein reported that Abdullah had more practice work "than anticipated" over the past two weeks, as the Lions have been cautious with Bell since his return from injury.
Bell is not in danger of missing time this Sunday, as he was not listed on the injury report and Rothstein writes that practice could be another way for the Lions to give Abdullah some experience before Week 1. Abdullah is also in the mix to return kicks because of his speed and athleticism and he could split some time with TJ Jones, Josh Wilson or even Golden Tate in the return game.
Bell comes in after rushing for a career best 860 yards last season and he is expected to be the top rusher again this year. Bell is also a strong receiver out of the backfield, but he could be used more as a through the middle back if Abdullah takes over that role. Both players are worth starting for Sunday for fantasy owners.
The Lions offense should be very productive once again and the team has Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate as two of the best fantasy football options out there. Matthew Stafford is always productive and this season should be no different for the quarterback. Last season Tate had a huge season with 99 catches for 1331 yards and he should put up strong numbers again with Johnson.