A few crib notes before we start. First off everyone is injured, like EVERYONE, Especially Aaron Jones. Secondly and even more importantly, the Lions have the 5th best run defense in the NFL. That means the Packers’ fate rests on Jordan Love, and while he’s been fine the Lions have made 8 interceptions this season. Jones is a crucial part of the Packers passing attack too, only four players have caught more passes this season. All of which will make finding some bargains on the DraftKings DFS slate more important. You can’t fit two QBs. David Montgomery and Sam LaPorta in your team if you don’t save money elsewhere.
The Lions already beat the Packers in Lambeau this season, so it looks like a tough assignment for a Packers offense that is only averaging 7.1 yards per target. It might be worth picking up the Lions D/ST if they’re not too expensive.
DraftKings Thanksgiving Bargains
The “He’s Finally Broken Out” DraftKings DFS Pick – Jameson Williams
It looks like Jameson Williams is bedding into professional football after his many setbacks. He was suspended for the Week 4 meeting, but the former Alabama star has caught two passes in each of his last three games. That’s 75% of his targets.
Even though Jared Goff had a major case of brain cramp last week and threw three interceptions Williams still caught 2 for 44 yards and a touchdown. And this week he could end up lined up opposite Keisean Nixon, that would be a great foot race, but Nixon is allowing 76.2% of passes thrown in his direction to be completed so Williams could be in luck. Nixon has also missed 7 tackles this season, the most of his career. So, Williams could really be in luck.
Williams is the fifth most expensive receiver on this DraftKings DFS slate at $5,200, which makes him an expensive bargain, but he scored 12.4 points last week with just two catches!
The Unexpected Tight End DraftKings DFS Pick – Tucker Kraft
Rookie Kraft is definitely a bargain and he almost caught a TD last week. The Lions have been having some trouble with tight ends this season too. That means they’ll be desperate to stop his fellow rookie Luke Musgrave. In Week 4 they held Musgrave to just 1 catch for 1 yard. Kraft caught 2 passes for 5 yards, which isn’t impressive at all. But he’s caught 3 in his 2 games. And if it hadn’t been for his comically large feet, he would have had his first NFL score against the Chargers.
Kraft costs just $1,200 on this DraftKings DFS slate but last week saw his career high for receiving yards as he caught both his targets.
The DraftKings DFS Dual Threat Pick – Kalif Raymond
Jameson Williams’ return has taken a bite out of Raymond’s opportunities, but he’s a threat to run the ball or catch passes, so he’s always worth a punt. He’s averaging 13.4 yards per touch this season and that’s his best average since 2020.
Raymond had a 40-yard run on a reverse when they played at Lambeau. The Lions’ downfield blocking has been impressive all season long and with the Packers potentially missing 7 of their defensive players there could be space for Raymond to exploit.
Raymond is $3,000 on this special DraftKings DFS slate which seems undervalued for someone with 51 receiving yards from 3 receptions in his last two games.
The Comeback Kid Pick – Josh Reynolds
Reynolds led the Lions in receiving yards back in Week 4. He had 69 on his 3 catches. And while his early season success has made him more expensive in DraftKings DFS games the fact he’s behind Amon-Ra St, Brown makes him cheaper than he should be.
He’s even cheaper than Jameson Williams. He’s just $4,000, the sixth most expensive receiver on the DraftKings DFS slate. That’s because he’s not been as productive recently, but the Lions will be looking to extend their unbeaten divisional record. And another Lions win would increase the pressure on the Vikings who play the Bears on Monday night.
Reynolds hasn’t recorded more than 15 receiving yards in his last three games. But the Packers’ defense is ranked 3rd when it comes to allowing rushing touchdowns and 18th for passing touchdowns Expect the Lions to want to correct the mistakes their passing offense made last week immediately. If the Packers still have three defensive backs injured the Lions’ receivers should feast on Thanksgiving.
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK
