It’s December, which means it’s time for some playoff pushes. Whether you’re rooting for the Packers because you need Jordan Love to go off for fantasy playoff round one, or you’re rooting for the Lions because you’re a Jared Goff truther, there’s no doubt this will be a great matchup. Let’s take a look at four of the best plays for this clash between two NFC North beasts.
David Montgomery – Over 49.5 Rushing Yards
The brawn of the “Sonic and Knuckles” duo, Montgomery is the physicality to Gibbs’ elusiveness. Between this two-headed monster, the Lions’ offense is so efficient that it’s often that both running backs hit this line. This week against the Packers, I expect Montgomery to get more of the carries. The first time the Lions and Packers met in Week 9, Montgomery went 73 yards in 17 carries for 4.3 yards per carry. This efficiency is something you want in a rivalry matchup. especially when you’re at home like this week. The Lions are going to want to control the ground game, therefore controlling the clock, and what better way to do that then with a smash-mouth running back like Montgomery. He’s cleared this line 6 out of his 12 games, and 2 out of 3 times in division matchups.
The first play for the Lions side of the offense is David Montgomery over 49.5 rushing yards.
Jayden Reed – Over 49.5 Receiving Yards
Jayden Reed is proving to be a great slot receiver in a confusing Green Bay receiving core. While he’s been up and down yards wise, he’s been consistently getting targets, which is what we need to look for. He’s had 6 or more targets in 7 of 12 games played, and he’s averaging 15.8 yards per reception in 2024. While the Lions are no pushover defending the pass, if Jayden Reed can stay consistent, we could clear this line. He’s cleared this line in 6 of his 12 games, and the games he didn’t clear were those games that he wasn’t seeing the amount of targets he typically does. Against the aggressive Lions, you’re going to be looking to get the ball out quickly to your playmakers, and Jayden Reed is one of those guys. Four for four on contested catches in 2024, this quick slot receiver is the guy I feel like trusting on the Packer’s offense.
Jayden Reed over 49.5 receiving yards is the next play this Thursday night.
Sam Laporta – Over 7.2 Fantasy Points
We all remember how beautiful Sam Laporta’s rookie year was in terms of fantasy. While he hasn’t exactly put up the same numbers as last year, he does what every tight end does, and that’s get points consistently. His PPR projection has him at 10.7 (according to ESPN), and I certainly think he can clear this. Most of the games he clears his line in (4 out of 6) he scores a touchdown, but I don’t even think this is necessary. Green Bay allows, on average, 6 receptions, 63 yards and 8.0 fantasy points to tight ends. With these stats, on top of the fact that Laporta has already cleared this 6 out of 11 times, means good things for this play.
Sam Laporta over 7.2 fantasy points is the next play for the matchup between the Packers and the Lions.
Tucker Kraft – Over 7.7 Fantasy Points
On the other side of the tight ends, Tucker Kraft has been having himself an interesting fantasy season. Aside from the goose-egg in week 11, he’s put up double digit points in 6 of his 12 games, and 2 of the 3 games since the bye. Tucker Kraft also got a couple rushing yards in the last meeting with the Lions, which always bodes well in terms of volume for our tight ends. If Kraft can have a game like we know he can (looking at you, week 5), then he’ll easily clear this line.
Tucker Kraft over 7.7 fantasy points is the final play for this Thursday night.
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