Defenses & Dragons: Week 12 Detroit Lions fantasy pick of the week

It might seem like the Lions just played the Bears because... well, you get it. Typically not much changes when teams face each other twice in a three-week span, but unfortunately Detroit could be without both Kerryon Johnson and Marvin Jones for the rematch on Thanksgiving. For a team that just traded away one of its top offensive assets, the outlook is not great.

The Lions struggled to do much against the Bears in Chicago, putting up over half of their points when the game was basically over. With two weapons ailing, there are very few skill players left to choose from for fantasy help. He was the pick two weeks ago and will be so again: Matthew Stafford is the Defenses & Dragons player of the week.

FantasyPros Ranking: QB19
FanDuel Pricing: QB22 ($6800)

Two weeks ago, Stafford threw for 274 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. While a lot of this production came late, this does not matter for fantasy. In fact, if the Lions are chasing points again, Stafford could be in a great situation, putting up garbage-time points against a relaxed defense.

It will hurt if both Johnson and Jones are out, but it does not necessarily spell doom. Without Johnson the Lions will be more reliant on the passing game, and Stafford showed great chemistry with Kenny Golladay against the Panthers. Perhaps Theo Riddick will see some more action as well, as Detroit will be forced to show some creativity on offense.

Stafford has not been a QB1 this season, which is frustrating but also puzzling. He clearly has the tools and the track record to get back to this position, and it really does feel like a matter of time before he does. Thanksgiving has traditionally been a good showing by him, and there is plenty of incentive to redeem himself from two weeks prior. The ceiling may be slightly lower, but the potential is still there for a big day.

Prediction: 28-for-40, 225 yards, 2 touchdowns; 21.0 fantasy points