The return of the Lions to the playoffs couldn’t have been more poetic than having to get by Stafford and the Rams. Goff and Stafford both trying to prove who got the better end of the trade in a game that appears to be the highest scoring setup of the weekend.
I don’t think this is a game you can play a single lineup in. You will need all the players mixed and matched throughout a string of variable options around a core group.
Core Plays: (DUH)
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Puka Nacua
Cooper Kupp
Kyren Williams
Matt Stafford
Jared Goff
It’s going to be tough to get different without wacky punts. Let’s address a few things. Puka is second only to St. Brown in projected points and is a lock for a good game, but don’t overlook Kupp and Stafford’s exceptional playoff run just 2 years back. At a couple hundred bucks more you might get ownership at a near 40% discount from his team mate. Kyren Williams is also a core play regardless of Detroit’s extremally stout run defense as they will find ways to get him going, he is matchup proof.
The Lions can’t stop stud receivers, they have given up the 4th most yards to slot receivers, and will be having a really hard time containing the top 2 guys. I am sure you me and my mother will all be thinking about grabbing either Puka or Kupp and partnering with Demarcus Robinson. It will be popular for sure, but still sound strategy. Robinson should be the highest own guy in the Showdown so if I am using him it’s CPT spot and I will have pair him with lesser owned options of the big decisions on the slate.
The choices between Jameson Williams and Josh Reynolds, Gibbs and Monty and how to use the TE’s in play if any. Do we trust LaPorta? Should we use any kickers? Both QB’s are currently looking under utilized by ownership projections… I have Gibbs projected at about 15%-20% more points than Monty but $300 more pricey and twice as owned. I have Jameson Williams and Josh Reynolds neck and neck in projections but with Williams about 80% heavier rostered. Gibbs and Monty are tough. Rams run Defense is solid, so it clearly feels like a Gibbs game.
Detroit has one real chance to win. I don’t think they can do it in a shootout. They need pressure on Stafford and they certainly can pull that off, making Detroit Defense an interesting proposition.
CPT Plays:
Kyren Williams
Demarcus Robinson (CPT or fade for me)
Josh Reynolds
Matthew Stafford
Flex Plays:
Puka Nacua
Cooper Kupp
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lock)
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jared Goff
David Montgomery
Either Kicker
Detroit Defense
Caution:
Jameson Williams (too high priced and volatile, pivot)
Sam LaPorta (injury is definitely a concern)
Tyler Higbee (injury concern)
Brock Wright (won’t be used enough even if LaPorta sits)
Tutu Atwell (seems to be out of schemes)
Value Plays:
Ronnie Rivers (might prefer Freeman anyway…)
Davis Allen (only if Higbee sits)
Donovan Peoples-Jones (punt play)
Royce Freeman (punt play)