There’s no denying Jared Goff has bounced back in Detroit. After a shaky start, he’s quietly put together three straight top-10 fantasy seasons and has become a dependable name for fantasy managers — at least on paper.
But some recent fantasy takes are getting a little too generous.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay listed Goff as a veteran fantasy quarterback not to overlook this season. Fair. Goff has his moments. But Kay skipped over some major red flags that could affect his fantasy value in 2025 — and fantasy managers deserve a fuller picture.
For one, the Lions just lost their Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow to retirement. Goff, known for being “pressure sensitive,” now has a big hole up the middle of the line. And with the Lions’ schedule getting tougher — including more outdoor games and the entire AFC North — it’s fair to expect some bumps along the way.
Kay painted Goff as a model of consistency, pointing out that he posted 11 “quality starts” in 2024, only one behind MVP Josh Allen. But here’s the catch: that “quality” line? Just 15.3 fantasy points — roughly what the QB25 averaged last year. It’s a low bar.
Goff also needed a career-best 69% completion rate and 37 touchdowns to finish as fantasy’s QB6. Expecting a repeat without factoring in regression, tougher defenses, and changes to the offense (remember, Ben Johnson is now in Chicago) seems a little reckless.
Goff should still be drafted in 2025 fantasy leagues. He has elite weapons around him and a strong command of Detroit’s offense. But fantasy analysts — and fantasy managers — need to stay honest about the risks. Draft him as a mid-range QB1, not a savior.