Reviewing the Detroit Lions’ 2024 Season: Projections vs Reality
Last season, we confidently predicted the statistical outputs for several key players on the Detroit Lions’ offense, and we have to say, one of our biggest claims to fame was completely nailing Amon-Ra St. Brown’s projections. We predicted he would end up with 115 receptions for 1,516 yards and 10 touchdowns. As it turns out, he finished the season with 119 receptions, 1,516 yards, and exactly 10 touchdowns.
Now, let’s dive into how we did with our 2024 predictions for the Lions’ offense, including the surprising outcomes and how some players exceeded or fell short of expectations.
Jared Goff: Close, But Not Quite There
Prediction:
- Completions-Attempts: 430-625
- Yards: 4,725
- TD-INT: 35-9
2024 Season:
- Completions-Attempts: 390-539
- Yards: 4,629
- TD-INT: 37-12
Jared Goff came very close to hitting our projections, but ultimately, he didn’t throw as many passes as anticipated. Nonetheless, his performance was still exceptional, with over 4,600 yards and 37 touchdowns, surpassing our touchdown prediction. While the number of completions and attempts didn’t meet expectations, Goff’s impact on the season as an MVP candidate was undeniable.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Almost There
Prediction:
- Receptions: 125
- Yards: 1,600
- TDs: 12
2024 Season:
- Receptions: 115
- Yards: 1,263
- TDs: 12
Despite not hitting the reception and yardage projections, Amon-Ra still enjoyed another spectacular season with 115 receptions and 1,263 yards. His touchdown total matched the prediction, and he had a Pro Bowl-caliber year. We expected him to be the primary target in the passing game, and although other players like Jameson Williams emerged, Amon-Ra still shone as one of the league’s top receivers.
Jameson Williams: Exceeding Expectations
Prediction:
- Receptions: 65
- Yards: 782
- TDs: 6
2024 Season:
- Receptions: 58
- Yards: 1,001
- TDs: 7
Jameson Williams blew away our expectations, finishing with his first 1,000-yard season and surpassing his touchdown total. Initially, we anticipated growing pains for him in his first full season, but Williams quickly established himself as a dynamic threat. Imagine what he could have done without his two-game suspension!
Sam LaPorta: A Solid Second-Year Player
Prediction:
- Receptions: 70
- Yards: 775
- TDs: 6
2024 Season:
- Receptions: 60
- Yards: 726
- TDs: 7
Sam LaPorta didn’t quite meet his reception and yardage projections, but he did exceed his touchdown total. After a strong rookie season, he experienced some sophomore slump effects, but he still produced solid numbers. LaPorta showed he’s a reliable target in the Lions’ offense, especially with seven touchdowns.
Jahmyr Gibbs: Surpassing Expectations
Prediction:
- Receptions: 55
- Yards: 502
- TDs: 3
- Rushing Yards: 1,250
- Rushing TDs: 12
2024 Season:
- Receptions: 52
- Yards: 517
- TDs: 4
- Rushing Yards: 1,412
- Rushing TDs: 16
Jahmyr Gibbs not only exceeded his projections in both the receiving and rushing departments, but he also set a new franchise record with 20 total touchdowns. His rushing yards were especially impressive, as he surpassed the 1,400-yard mark and had 16 rushing touchdowns—way beyond our original prediction. Gibbs proved to be one of the most dynamic players on the team.
David Montgomery: A Mixed Bag
Prediction:
- Rushing Yards: 1,010
- Rushing TDs: 8
2024 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 775
- Rushing TDs: 12
David Montgomery’s season took a hit due to an MCL injury, limiting his yards. However, he did manage to rack up 12 rushing touchdowns, surpassing his projected total. He showed his value as a power runner, but his injury prevented him from hitting the 1,000-yard mark.
Craig Reynolds: Just a Bit Better Than Expected
Prediction:
- Rushing Yards: 125
- Rushing TDs: 1
2024 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 139
- Rushing TDs: 0
Craig Reynolds exceeded our rushing yards projection, but he didn’t score any touchdowns. Still, he was a reliable backup for Gibbs and Montgomery, contributing in key moments throughout the season.
Sione Vaki: A Quiet Year
Prediction:
- Rushing Yards: 255
- Rushing TDs: 2
2024 Season:
- Rushing Yards: 14
- Rushing TDs: 0
We expected more from Sione Vaki in the rushing game, but he hardly saw the field. The Lions appear to be saving him for future seasons, and hopefully, we’ll see more of him in the coming years.
Final Thoughts: Predictions vs. Reality
Looking back, it’s clear that some of our predictions for the Detroit Lions’ 2024 season were spot on, while others were a bit off. Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown performed just as we expected, while players like Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs exceeded expectations in big ways. Despite some injuries and a few underperforming predictions, the Lions’ offense delivered an exciting and impressive season. With such a promising core of players, the future of the Detroit Lions looks bright.
