Amon-Ra St. Brown Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

St. Brown racked up 313.9 fantasy points (WR3) and averaged 18.5 points per game (WR7) over a full 17-game slate.

He posted 115 receptions (2nd) on 142 targets (8th) for 1,263 yards (5th) and 12 TDs (3rd).

He recorded seven top-12 fantasy finishes, though he also had seven games outside the WR2 tier.

Usage & Role

St. Brown operated as Detroit’s go-to target, commanding a 25.6% target share and a 31.6% first-read rate (15th among WRs).

He split time between the slot (51.4%) and wide (47.5%), remaining the engine of Detroit’s passing game, especially in key situations.

Over the final nine games (including playoffs), he led the team with a 24.6% target share.

Efficiency Metrics

Despite a shallow 8.2-yard average target depth (66th among WRs with 50+ targets) and modest 3.6 yards after catch per reception (48th), St. Brown remained elite by other metrics as well:

• 2.29 yards per route (12th)
• 82.1% catch rate (2nd)
• 0.9% drop rate (76th)
• 89.7 PFF receiving grade (5th)

He also posted a +0.5 YAC over expectation and created 3.1 yards of average separation, consistently winning underneath and on timing routes.

Offensive Context

Detroit’s offense was elite in volume, ranking first in total plays.

The Lions operated a run-first system (27th in overall pass rate, 53.4% neutral pass rate) but leaned on the pass in scoring range.

This environment was ideal for maximizing efficiency and sustaining long drives, aided by a top-10 supporting cast and former OC Ben Johnson’s design.

St. Brown was a key part to the efficient passing game and will remain the top target in 2025.

Historical Production & Trends

St. Brown has now posted three straight seasons with a 90+ PFF receiving grade, the only WR to do so.

His target share and efficiency have remained remarkably stable, with only a slight dip in yards per route in 2024.

His actual PPR points per game (18.5) once again outpaced expectation (15.5), a testament to his reliability and success after the catch.

Injury History

St. Brown played all 17 games in 2024 and continues to build a track record of durability, missing only two games in his first four NFL seasons.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

St. Brown enters 2025 as Jared Goff’s undisputed No. 1 target and the clear focal point of Detroit’s passing game.

While Jameson Williams may earn more downfield looks, St. Brown’s volume, versatility, and trust from the coaching staff ensure a locked-in WR1 workload.

The Lions did add rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa in the third round, but he will compete for outside snaps.

Veteran WRs Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond also return.

TE Sam LaPorta will continue to be a major part of the offense and get red zone targets.

RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will also contribute receiving work.

Supporting Cast

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units in the NFL.

QB Jared Goff is back after one of his best seasons ever, ranking top five in completion rate, passing yards, and passing TDs.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired.

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Ben Johnson’s offense was built to play to the strengths of the passing game with quick reads, play-action, intermediate accuracy.

The Lions were first in the NFL in points with a 52.2% pass rate and 53.4% neutral pass rate. Though they were 27th in pace, they had ranked in the top 13 the three years prior.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos.

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, St. Brown should continue to benefit from a strong offensive attack.