The Worst Passing Defenses: Detroit Lions

Three of the five worst passing yardage allowed teams over their past three games are off this week. However, four of the worst face-off against each other. The New York Jets take-off to Oakland to face the Raiders, and the next great QB-to-Wr combo of Dan Orlovsky and Calvin Johnson lead the Detroit Lions into Houston to face the Texans.

For the Detroit/Houston game, there are solid opportunities for Johnson and whoever steps into the #2 WR spot for the Lions following the trade of Roy Williams. It will likely be either WR Mike Furrey or Shaun MacDonald. If it isn't, I fear that #2 spot will cripple the Lions' offense to the point that evaluating Orlovsky or QB Drew Stanton as longer-term solutions will be impossible.

The picture is brighter for all the Houston Texans skills players. In addition to having been amongst the worst PYA teams over the past three games, the Lions also rank amongst the worst in rushing yards allowed. RB Steve Slaton, WRs Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter, TE Owen Daniels and QB Matt Schaub may all prove to be good contributors this week.

In Oakland, don't be surprised to see Jets' QB Brett Favre throw three TDs and one INT. With WRs Laverneus Coles and Jerricho Cotchery proving to be reliable targets, this trio is ready for fantasy stardom.

The Raiders may have a harder time capitalizing against a poor Jets' pass defense. QB JaMarcus Russell just doesn't have the weapons at WR to take advantage of his physical skills. TE Zach miller should be a solid start. I'd be disappointed to see fewer than four recpetions from him. Unfortunately, the Jets have been very effective against the run ranking 3rd in RYA over the best three games and the 2008 season. Not the greatest news for RBs Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden.

Ten Worst Pass Defenses: