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Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Looking Good For A Week 12 Return

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday and appears to be on track to playing this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. LaPorta suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans and was inactive in last Sunday's blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 23-year-old appears to have healed nicely in the week he had to rest, and barring a setback on Friday, he should be able to play this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. While LaPorta has mostly disappointed fantasy managers in 2024 after leading all TEs in fantasy points in his rookie season, he'll have an opportunity to produce strong numbers against a Colts defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to the position this year.

13 hours ago

Za'Darius Smith • DE • Lions

Lions Expected To Be Smart With Za'Darius Smith

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that the Detroit Lions didn't acquire pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith at the trade deadline this year to replace Aidan Hutchinson (leg), who is out for the rest of the season. Instead, the Lions expect the 32-year-old veteran to be a key complementary player on their defensive line. The Lions will rely heavily on defensive tackles Alim McNeill and DJ Reader to generate a pass rush, while Smith and Josh Paschal start on the outside. Smith played 37 defensive snaps in his first game with the team in the Week 11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, generating half a sack. Fowler expects Detroit to continue to be smart about Smith's snaps, which means fantasy managers in IDP leagues should temper expectations. The Lions are going to need a total team effort to replace Hutchinson's All-Pro production.

Yesterday

Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Practicing In Full

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) was estimated as a full participant on Wednesday during the team's walkthrough practice. LaPorta suffered an AC joint sprain in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans that caused him to miss last week's blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The week off apparently did the second-year TE well, though, and head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic of LaPorta's chances of returning this Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. All signs are pointing to the 23-year-old's return this weekend, but fantasy managers should have a backup plan just in case. If he returns, LaPorta will be at worst a low-end TE1 for fantasy managers. He certainly hasn't lived up to his high draft stock after finishing as the TE1 in 2023 as a rookie, and he's currently averaging 7.5 half-PPR points, which ranks 16th among TEs in 2024.

Yesterday

Sam LaPorta • TE • Lions

Sam LaPorta Trending Towards Playing In Week 12

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that he feels good about tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) playing on Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. As of Wednesday, it's trending in the right direction for LaPorta to suit up after he missed the Week 11 blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an AC joint sprain he suffered the week prior. "Questionable to above," Campbell said. It remains to be seen how much LaPorta even practiced on Wednesday, but this is obviously good news for LaPorta's fantasy managers. The 23-year-old has had a sophomore slump in 2024 after leading all TEs in fantasy points a year ago, but he'd certainly at least be a low-end TE1 if he's able to return this weekend to face the Colts. If LaPorta sits a second straight game, backup Brock Wright would once again be in play as a TE2 streamer in fantasy.

Yesterday

Alex Anzalone • LB • Lions

Alex Anzalone Heads To Injured Reserve

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) has been placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. This is another big hit to the Lions defense. Anzalone suffered a broken forearm during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The organization said Anzalone is set to miss 6-8 weeks while he recovers from this injury. There's a chance he's ready by the end of the season or in time for the playoffs. Anzalone has 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and one sack through nine games this season. Jack Campbell figures to start in his place going forward. This Lions defense can't take too many more hits with a handful of defenders already on the injured reserve.

3 days ago

Jake Bates • K • Lions

Jake Bates Delivers Strong Fantasy Finish In Week 11

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered another strong performance in Week 11, converting his lone field goal attempt and all seven extra points in a 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Bates remains perfect on field goals this season, going 15-for-15, while leading the league with 39 extra points on 40 attempts. His consistent production continues to shine as part of Detroit's high-powered offense. Heading into Sunday night, Bates ranks as the K3 for the week and has scored 12 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He remains a reliable fantasy starter heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.

4 days ago

Kalif Raymond • WR • Lions

Kalif Raymond Stays Off Fantasy Radar In Week 11

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond caught both of his targets for 30 yards in the team's dominant 52-6 victory over the Jaguars in Week 11. Raymond's role was fairly limited, finishing fifth on the team in receptions. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams commanding the majority of targets, Raymond remains difficult to trust as a fantasy option. Even with Sam LaPorta sidelined, Detroit's crowded offense limits Raymond's opportunities to deliver consistent fantasy value. Raymond should remain on waivers as the Lions are set to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.

4 days ago

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams Booms With Big-Play Potential

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams exploded in Week 11, catching four of six targets for 124 yards and a touchdown in a 52-6 blowout win over the Jaguars. Williams continues to prove himself as one of the NFL's premier deep threats, recording his third touchdown in five games. Heading into Sunday night, Williams ranks as a Top-6 WR for the week, delivering yet another standout fantasy performance. The explosive wideout has now scored 16 or more PPR fantasy points in five of his eight games this season. Williams remains a WR2 with big-play upside heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.

4 days ago

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

David Montgomery Delivers Two-TD Performance

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery delivered a dominant performance in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing 15 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns while adding 20 yards on three receptions in a 52-6 victory. Montgomery posted his season-best fantasy outing, ranking as the RB3 going into Sunday night. This marks his third multi-touchdown game of the season and his eighth game with a touchdown in 10 appearances. Montgomery continues to maximize his opportunities in Detroit's high-powered offense, thriving alongside Jahmyr Gibbs in a dynamic backfield. He remains a strong RB option with TD upside heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

4 days ago

Jahmyr Gibbs • RB • Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Shines With Another Solid Fantasy Performance

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs excelled in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rushing 11 times for 69 yards and a touchdown while adding a 54-yard reception on his lone target in a 52-6 blowout victory. Gibbs has now surpassed 100 total yards in four of his last five games, further solidifying his role in Detroit's explosive offense. His consistent production, with 16 or more PPR fantasy points in seven of 10 games and no single-digit performances all season, makes him a reliable RB1 option. Gibbs posted a Top-7 RB performance this week going into Sunday night, and will look to continue his stellar season in a favorable Week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

4 days ago

Amon-Ra St. Brown • WR • Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown Extends Touchdown Streak In Monster Week 11 Showing

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11, catching all 11 of his targets for 161 yards and two touchdowns in a 52-6 rout. St. Brown extended his touchdown streak to eight consecutive games, cementing his status as a top-tier fantasy option. Heading into Sunday night, he ranks as the WR1 for the week and No. 2 fantasy scorer overall. This was his fifth game this season with 20 or more PPR fantasy points, showcasing his elite consistency in Detroit's high-powered offense. St. Brown remains a must-start WR1 heading into Week 12 as the Lions face the Indianapolis Colts.

4 days ago

Jared Goff • QB • Lions

Jared Goff Delivers Season-Best Fantasy Performance In Blowout Win

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff lit up the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11, completing 24-of-29 passes (82.8%) for 412 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 52-6 victory. Goff also added 21 rushing yards on four attempts, rebounding from his five-interception performance in Week 10 with a perfect passer rating against a struggling Jaguars defense. This was by far Goff's best fantasy outing of the season, making him the overall QB1 for the week heading into Sunday night and the No. 3 fantasy scorer overall. Goff will aim to continue his MVP-caliber campaign in Week 12 as the Lions travel to face the Indianapolis Colts, who narrowly defeated the Jets in Week 11.

4 days ago

Alex Anzalone • LB • Lions

Alex Anzalone Exits Early Sunday

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) was ruled out prior to the conclusion of Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 30-year-old picked up the injury while tackling Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. late in the first half of Week 11. He finished the contest with five tackles, including one for loss. Anzalone was replaced in the lineup by Ben Niemann and Trevor Nowaske.

4 days ago

Brock Wright • TE • Lions

Brock Wright To Have Expanded Role

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright will be the next man up with Sam LaPorta (shoulder) ruled out ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wright has only seen two targets over the last four games. He has been on the field for over 55 percent of the snaps over each of the last two contests. He figures to see more involvement in the passing game with LaPorta unable to play. Wright hasn't done enough to be trusted in most fantasy formats. He could be a dart throw in DFS contests, but is nothing more than a desperation streaming option.

5 days ago

Kalif Raymond • WR • Lions

Kalif Raymond Faces Opportunity For Increased Role In Week 11 Vs. Jaguars

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond heads into Week 11 against the Jaguars after being held without a target in the Detroit Lions' 26-23 victory over the Texans in Week 10. Jameson Williams' return from suspension seemingly reduced Raymond's snap count last week. However, with tight end Sam LaPorta now sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Raymond could see an increase in opportunities this week. Jacksonville's defense has struggled against wide receivers this season, potentially providing a favorable matchup. Despite this, Raymond's limited production 14 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns over nine games makes him a risky streaming option with likely better choices on waiver wires.

6 days ago

Jake Bates • K • Lions

Jake Bates Primed For Solid Fantasy Output In Favorable Week 11 Matchup

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates heads into a favorable Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars as a solid fantasy option. He remains perfect on field goals this season, converting all 14 attempts, including two critical long-distance kicks in the Week 10 victory over the Texans. While head coach Dan Campbell's aggressive fourth-down strategies may limit Bates' field goal opportunities, the Lions' offensive firepower ensures a steady flow of extra point attempts, with Bates successfully making 32 out of 33 so far. Given Detroit's league-leading projected team total for the week, Bates is poised to deliver strong fantasy production against a Jaguars defense allowing over 26 points per game.

6 days ago

Jameson Williams • WR • Lions

Jameson Williams Has Big-Play Potential In Week 11 Matchup Vs. Jacksonville

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams faces a favorable matchup in Week 11 against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense vulnerable to big plays. Williams returned to action last week with a quiet performance, catching three passes for 53 yards and finishing outside the Top-40 wideouts. This season, Williams has accumulated more air yards than Amon-Ra St. Brown in half of their starts together with eight deep targets over seven games. However, he hasn't seen a red-zone look since Week 2, which limits his scoring opportunities. This week's matchup offers upside, as Jacksonville allows the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and the most 20+ yard receptions per game.

6 days ago

David Montgomery • RB • Lions

David Montgomery Primed For Solid Week 11 Against Jaguars

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is poised for a productive Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars' vulnerable run defense. Montgomery has been a Top-15 PPR fantasy RB this season, averaging 15.6 touches and 78.4 total yards per game, with four touchdowns in his last five outings. Known for his power and red zone efficiency, he ranks ninth in red zone touches and fourth in total touchdowns, making him a reliable scoring threat. Jacksonville has struggled to contain running backs, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position, and the fourth-highest explosive run rate. With the Jaguars also ranking poorly against the run, Montgomery should find opportunities to extend his productivity. He remains an RB2 option with touchdown upside in a favorable matchup.

6 days ago

Jared Goff • QB • Lions

Jared Goff Set To Bounce Back In Favorable Week 11 Matchup Against Jaguars

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff enters Week 11 with a prime opportunity to rebound against a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars defense. While Goff's fantasy production has been underwhelming this season, finishing under 15 points in five games, this matchup offers a chance for a turnaround. The Jaguars allow the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, the third-most passing yards per game (271.9), and the fourth-most passing touchdowns per game (1.9). Despite tossing five interceptions in Week 10, that performance appears to be an outlier. With Jacksonville surrendering 26.4 points per game (sixth-most in the NFL), Goff should have opportunities to exploit their defensive vulnerabilities. While an early blowout could shift Detroit to a run-heavy approach, the Lions' high-scoring offense will likely lean on Goff to set the tone early. Consider him a low-end QB1 with upside this week.

6 days ago

Jahmyr Gibbs • RB • Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Set For Strong Week 11 Against Jacksonville

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs enters Week 11 as a solid RB1 option against the Jacksonville Jaguars, despite missing the end zone last week for the first time since Week 6. Gibbs still managed 108 total yards in Week 10 and has been a consistent fantasy performer, ranking as the RB5 (PPR) this season. He's been highly productive, logging 442 rushing yards on 68 carries and four touchdowns over his last five games, along with 126 receiving yards on 11 catches. Jacksonville's defense has struggled against running backs, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receptions, and fourth-most receiving yards to the position. With the Jaguars also ranking 27th in DVOA against pass-catching backs, Gibbs should have plenty of opportunities to thrive both on the ground and through the air alongside David Montgomery.

6 days ago

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