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Saturday open thread: Which Detroit Lions player is in for a big game vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Which Lions player do you think will break out in Week 14?

NFL: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, we discussed the most dangerous players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Detroit Lions’ Week 14 matchup. With the Lions’ injured front five, my choice was defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. However, you all came up with some good answers, as well. Considering the Lions’ coverage woes, tight end O.J. Howard could be in for a big Sunday. Additionally, whoever the Bucs decided to ride as their running back this week could give the Lions fits.

But now let’s move to the Lions side, because despite their recent poor play, there have been a few players that have done all they can to bring a win home. Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Lions players could be in for a big Sunday vs. the Buccaneers?

My answer: I don’t think I could pick anyone on defense, since no one outside of Darius Slay and Glover Quin are playing consistently enough to rely upon—and even last week, both players had poor games.

So my choice this week is Kenny Golladay. The Buccaneers are prone to giving up big plays (third most 40+ yard passing plays) and the Lions have the best deep ball passing offense in the league.

Golladay has been a huge part in that, pulling in four passes for 40+ yards this year in just seven games this year. In the past four weeks alone, he’s had:

  • A 31-yard reception vs. the Ravens
  • A 41-yard reception vs. the Vikings
  • A 40-yard reception vs. the Bears
  • A 50-yard reception vs. the Browns

Although Golladay hasn’t seen more than five targets since Week 1, he’s clearly making the most of the balls thrown his way, and his snap counts are only increasing. It’s only a matter of time before Matthew Stafford starts going his way more often, and when that happens, we’re going to start seeing 100-yard games from this young fella.

With the season on the line, and a vulnerable Bucs secondary, why not start this week?

Your turn.

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