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Week 14 TNF: Packers-Lions Preview, Props & Prediction

Thu Dec 5 4:17pm ET
Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions ride a 10-game winning streak into Thursday night's home game against division rival Green Bay, but the Lions don't have the luxury of stepping off the gas even a little.

Detroit (11-1) is only a game ahead of Philadelphia and Minnesota in the NFC, with the Vikings (10-2) and Packers (9-3) still hot on the Lions' tails in the NFC North. Detroit is also battling a slew of injuries as it kicks off Week 14 against a Packers team the Lions handled 24-14 on the road last month.

Detroit will play host to Minnesota, which has won five straight, in the regular-season finale next month.

ODDS AND TRENDS

The Lions are 3.0 to 3.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks. The line is 3.5 at BetRivers, where Detroit has been backed by 58 percent of the spread-line tickets. Meanwhile, the Lions' -182 moneyline to win the game outright has drawn 75 percent of the money.

The public is expecting a high-scoring affair, with the 51.5 total points line seeing the Over backed by 84 percent of the money. Nine of Green Bay's past 12 road games have gone over the total points line.

According to the book, the Packers have won the first quarter in eight consecutive games in which they entered as the underdog. By contrast, the Lions have covered the spread in seven of the past eight meetings in the series.

PROP PICK

--Packers RB Josh Jacobs Anytime TD (-159 at BetRivers): This has been the most popular player prop at the book, drawing 1.6 percent of all money wagered on. Jacobs didn't reach the end zone in the first meeting, but he did rack up 95 yards on just 13 carries.

KEY STAT

The Packers have remained in contention by winning seven of their last eight, with the only loss coming at the hands of the Lions. Detroit opened up a 21-point lead early in the third quarter and held on for a 24-14 victory.

THE NEWS

Detroit is coming off a 23-20 win over Chicago on Thanksgiving Day in which it nearly blew a 16-point lead. The Bears' poor clock management cost them an opportunity to send the game into overtime and led to coach Matt Eberflus' firing.

The Lions have been hit with a wave of injuries, particularly on the defensive side. They signed four players over the past week to fortify their depth.

"I know the elephant in the room is all the injuries that have happened with us on the defensive side," defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. "Our personnel staff does a really good job of acquiring players that fit exactly who we are. I would say this, it's not the playbook that's the most important thing for these guys to come in and learn. It's the style of play that we have and that's easy to learn."

Jared Goff has thrown for six touchdowns and zero interceptions in the past three games after tossing five picks against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10.

The Packers also played on Thanksgiving, defeating Miami 30-17. Green Bay opened up a 24-3 halftime lead as Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes to Jayden Reed.

Now the Packers face a Detroit team that has defeated them in five of the last six meetings.

"With most good teams, they play the game the right way," Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said. "Certainly, Detroit's been doing that for a couple years now. That's who they are and that's who we are as well. It should be a great game on Thursday night."

The Packers might have to win via a shootout, considering the Lions are averaging a league-best 31.9 points per game (Green Bay ranks eighth at 26.5). Stopping the running game will be key, according to LaFleur.

"They're two very dynamic backs. (David) Montgomery, he's going to beat you up physically and the other guy (Jahmyr Gibbs), you've got to try to corral because he can take it the distance," he said. "Jared is playing at an MVP level, so they've got a really potent offense."

INJURY REPORT

Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and three defensive linemen -- DJ Reader (shoulder), Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) -- were ruled out Wednesday for Thursday's game.

The Packers have ruled out cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion), linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) and cornerback Corey Ballentine (knee). Alexander was limited at practice Monday and Tuesday and estimated as not participating in Wednesday's walkthrough. Doubs had not cleared the concussion protocol as of Tuesday, according to LaFleur.

THEY SAID IT

Lions coach Dan Campbell says the fun really begins at this point of the season.

"The best part of all of this -- we're in playoff football right now, that's where we're at," he said. "We're in December, and our schedule says that. Man, we play tough opponent after tough opponent -- we've got plenty coming up. So, man, this is the type of stuff that you live for and it's also the type of stuff that gets you ready for the tournament.

"So, yeah, we're a resilient bunch and nothing's going to change that. We've just got to worry about the one in front of us."

PREDICTION

The Lions are dealing with a litany of injuries, several at key spots, but just keep winning. Needing to put distance between themselves and the rest of the pack to secure what is shaping up as a critical first-round bye, the Lions will be highly motivated to complete the season series sweep. --Lions 30, Packers 27

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Jake Ferguson Dec 5 4:20pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) was listed as a full participant in the team's first official practice of the week on Thursday. Ferguson suffered a concussion in the Week 11 loss to the Houston Texans and has missed the last two games as a result. However, a full practice on Thursday means that the 25-year-old appears to be well on his way to clearing the NFL's concussion protocol in order to play on Monday Night Football in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals and their atrocious defense. Thursday was Ferguson's first official practice since suffering his concussion. If Ferguson is officially cleared from the concussion protocol later this week, he'll return to the TE1 radar in fantasy against a Cincy defense that has allowed the second-most PPR points to TEs per game in 2024. Ferguson has 43 receptions for 369 yards in nine games this year and is still looking for his first touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Dec 5 4:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant due to rest purposes in the first practice of the week on Thursday. Cooks made his return to the field in the Thanksgiving Day win over the division-rival New York Giants last Thursday for the first time since Week 4 due to a knee infection that required surgery. It was a successful return, as the 31-year-old veteran found the end zone, albeit on three catches for only 16 yards. Dallas is likely just resting Cooks after his first game back last week, meaning he should be active this Sunday to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. The matchup against Cincy is an excellent one, although Cooks will remain a low-upside, touchdown-dependent WR5/flex for fantasy managers, especially with it looking like tight end Jake Ferguson will return from a two-game absence due to a concussion.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Morris Dec 5 4:10pm CT
Raheem Morris

Six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick interviewed for the head-coaching vacancy at the University of North Carolina this week and is among a group of candidates that the Tar Heels have interviewed since they fired Mack Brown on Nov. 26. In addition to Belichick, North Carolina is interested in Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, among others. Belichick has not coached in the NFL in 2024 but reportedly is eyeing a return to coaching next year, with ESPN's Adam Schefter saying he's "expected to be choosy if and when he returns to the sideline." The future Hall of Fame head coach reportedly turned down defensive coordinator roles with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in the offseason. Before that Belichick interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching position, which eventually went to Raheem Morris.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 5 4:00pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday, according to Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. Lamb aggravated his previous shoulder injury during their Thanksgiving victory over the New York Giants. However, according to a previous report, Lamb is still expected to suit up on Monday evening. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend in case the star wideout faces a setback. Lamb has seen his production drop without QB Dak Prescott (hamstring), as he has averaged just 12.4 PPR points over the previous four contests. However, Lamb has a great matchup on Monday to get back on track, facing the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed the 10th-most PPR points to opposing WRs this season.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Dec 5 4:00pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) logged another full practice on Friday, according to John Hendrix. This is a great sign, as the sophomore running back has been on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury since Week 9. Miller has battled the injury bug all season and has appeared in just two games all season. During this small stint, the TCU product tallied just nine carries but averaged an impressive 5.8 yards per carry. This is a nice increase compared to the 3.8 yards per carry he averaged during his rookie campaign. If Miller can return to action this weekend, fantasy managers should view him as a potential stash candidate, as Alvin Kamara should continue to see the bulk of opportunities in the New Orleans backfield.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 5 3:50pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (ankle) opened the week as a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with the superstar's status but should continue to monitor his status ahead of Monday's tilt against the Dallas Cowboys. Last weekend, Chase continued his stellar campaign by bringing in six of his nine targets for 86 yards and a score during their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, the LSU product has averaged a stellar 95.2 yards per game with 13 TDs across 12 games. Fantasy managers should continue to view Chase as a high-end WR1 in all matchups and a top option in DFS. On Monday, he has a great matchup against the Cowboys, who have allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Dec 5 3:40pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) was added to the injury report after sitting out on Thursday with an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it will likely clarify his availability heading into the weekend. However, seeing him downgrade to a non-participant is not a promising sign. Since Davante Adams left for New York, Meyers has operated as the clear No.1 wide receiver in this passing attack. Since Week 8, Meyers has averaged an impressive 16.5 PPR points per game with 80.6 yards and 6.8 receptions per game. If Meyers were to sit out on Sunday, tight end Brock Bowers would be viewed as the clear top pass catcher, with Tre Tucker operating as the top wideout.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 5 3:40pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Johnson sustained this foot injury during last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend if he cannot upgrade to full participation. With Taysom Hill (knee) out for the season, fantasy managers should expect Johnson and Foster Moreau to see the majority of snaps during the final weeks of the season. Last weekend, Johnson brought in five of his seven targets for 36 yards. Both Johnson and Moreau will likely split opportunities down the stretch, which makes both of them risky options in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 5 3:30pm CT
Bucky Irving

Correcting a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hip, back) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as the rookie may be in danger of missing Sunday's tilt. Irving left last weekend's game with these injuries but was able to return to the field eventually. In this game, Irving posted a season-high 152 yards with a touchdown. However, seeing him remain sidelined during the first two practices of the week is not a positive sign of his availability this weekend. Over the past two weeks, the Oregon product has established itself as the lead option in the Tampa Bay running back room. If Irving were to sit out on Sunday, Rachaad White would likely be the top option, with Sean Tucker as the No.2 facing the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Bub Means Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Bub Means

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bub Means (ankle) was downgraded to a non-participant during Thursday's practice, according to John Hendrix of Saints News Network. Means was placed on the injured reserve during the first week of November due to a high-ankle sprain. The 23-year-old returned to practice on Wednesdays as a limited participant. However, seeing his status already downgraded is not a positive sign regarding his availability for this weekend. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to monitor his status on Friday, as he may be in danger of missing his fifth-straight contest. Before the injury, Means emerged as a starter in the passing attack, with both Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) on the IR. During Weeks 6 through 8, Means brought in an average of 3.0 receptions per game. If Means cannot play on Sunday, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Kevin Austin will likely sit at the top of the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 5 3:10pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) logged a full practice on Thursday afternoon. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old as he was a limited participant on Wednesday. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress on Friday as he will need to pass the league's concussion protocol before returning to action. The sophomore wideout sustained this concussion during their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend. Austin found the back of the end zone for the second straight contest in this game. Over his previous five games, Austin has averaged 36.0 yards per game with 9.4 PPR points per game. If he can suit up to face the Cleveland Browns this weekend, he should be viewed as a risky flex option in deeper 14+ team formats.

From RotoBaller

Tommy DeVito Dec 5 3:00pm CT
Tommy DeVito

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (forearm) returned to a full participant in practice on Thursday after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Although DeVito appears to be recovering from a right-forearm injury that kept him out of the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys last Thursday, the Giants are planning to give Drew Lock a second straight start under center this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. DeVito was inactive last Thursday, but he's trending toward serving as Lock's backup this weekend. And if Lock underwhelms again, it wouldn't be surprising to see the G-Men turn back to DeVito in Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens in a plus matchup. In his lone start this year in the Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DeVito went 21-for-31 for just 189 yards without a TD or interception.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 5 3:00pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) continues to battle a sprained AC joint in his shoulder but said he expects to play on Monday night in Week 14 against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Lamb has full range of motion and his strength back and was officially limited in the team's first practice of the week on Thursday. "As far as Monday goes, I'll be fine by then," Lamb said. The 25-year-old aggravated his right-shoulder injury on Thanksgiving last Thursday in the win over the division-rival New York Giants and finished with only two grabs for 39 yards on six targets. Fantasy managers should leave him in their Week 14 starting lineups for a juicy matchup against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Bengals have allowed the 10th-most half-PPR points to receivers per game this season and the fifth-most points in the last five weeks.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (groin) was added to the Week 14 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant. Mid-week additions to the injury report aren't usually good, putting Nabers' status in doubt for Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints. How much the first-rounder is able to do at practice on Friday will ultimately give us a better idea of his availability this weekend. The 21-year-old LSU product has become less interesting in fantasy now that quarterback Daniel Jones is gone, but he did catch eight of 13 targets for 69 yards while working with QB Drew Lock in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. However, Nabers has had fewer than 70 receiving yards now in four straight games. If he's out or limited against the Saints, both Wan'Dale Robinson could be heavily targeted, with Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt seeing bigger roles as well.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) returned to the practice field on Thursday after being held out of Wednesday's session. Hill has routinely been rested early in the week due to a wrist injury that he's been dealing with for much of the year. He'll likely be listed as limited on Thursday but shouldn't be in any danger of missing a divisional clash this weekend against the visiting New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Fantasy managers will want to leave the Cheetah in their starting lineups this weekend as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2, especially with Jets shutdown cornerback looking unlikely to play in Week 14 due to injury. The 30-year-old Hill hasn't lived up to his lofty expectations in 2024, mainly because of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa going on Injured Reserve due to a concussion earlier in the season. Tagovailoa is back now, though, and Hill has three TDs in the last four games.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) was downgraded to a limited practice session on Thursday after he was a full-go on Wednesday. It's unclear if Coker actually suffered a setback with a quadriceps injury that has kept him sidelined for the last two days, or if the Panthers are just resting him. Either way, the 23-year-old could very well miss his third straight contest in Week 14 when the team takes on the Eagles in Philadelphia. Coker's practice status on Friday will be telling for his availability this weekend. If Coker gets the green light to return on Sunday, he won't be a popular option for starting fantasy lineups as the No. 3 receiver, at best, behind veteran Adam Thielen and rookie Xavier Legette. David Moore has taken advantage of Coker's injury the last two weeks, catching 11 of a surprising 19 targets for 121 yards and one touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Dec 5 2:20pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running backs D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) and Roschon Johnson (concussion) both missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. The Bears backfield could be dangerously thin heading into their Week 14 matchup this Sunday on the road against the San Francisco 49ers unless Swift and Johnson can return to practice on Friday in some capacity. If both RBs cannot suit up for this weekend in the first game without head coach Matt Eberflus -- he was fired on Black Friday following the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions -- the Bears could be down to Travis Homer as their lead back against the Niners. Even with extra time to prepare for Week 14, Swift and Johnson are in danger of missing Sunday's contest. For volume alone, Homer would be in play as an RB3/flex on Sunday if both Swift and Johnson are out.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 5 2:20pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday but returned to a full practice session on Thursday, putting him on track to be available for the Week 14 tilt at Levis Stadium on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The 32-year-old veteran wideout could be in line for a second straight big performance, too, with DJ Moore (quadriceps) having not practiced yet this week. Allen has mostly been inconsistent in his first year in Chicago with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams throwing him the football, but he's scored three touchdowns in the last two games after going for a 5-73-2 line in the Week 13 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving last Thursday. Allen has seen at least eight targets in the last three games and would be a must-start in fantasy this weekend if Moore is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 5 2:10pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (quadriceps) was listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Keenan Allen (ankle) also missed practice on Wednesday, but he was able to return to a full session on Thursday. It's Moore's status that is now firmly up in the air for Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers after going for eight catches, 97 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions last Thursday. The 27-year-old is going to need to practice in some fashion on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely for Sunday's game. If Moore is out or limited at all, Allen and rookie Rome Odunze would naturally see more targets, as would tight end Cole Kmet. Fantasy managers need to plan for Moore's potential absence this weekend. Check back on Friday for his updated status.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Dec 5 2:00pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell was not spotted at the start of Thursday's practice, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. The second-year quarterback was not listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his absence could be a mystery until Thursday's injury report is released. O'Connell returned from the Injured Reserve list and posted 350 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday. He is auditioning for a role next season, so any more missed games could be significant. If he's out for any reason in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder would presumably start.

From RotoBaller