Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle, illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. This news comes as no surprise considering Williams missed all three practices this week. His absence should allow Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond to earn more snaps alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown. Of the group, St. Brown is the only one who should be started in all fantasy leagues. Reynolds and Raymond both rank as risky FLEX plays.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was listed on this week's injury report with an ankle injury, but he's cleared to go and will look to finish his spectacular rookie season on a high note. The second-round pick has hauled in 81 of his 113 targets for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers are almost unheard of for rookie tight ends, and he's arguably been the best player at the position in 2023. Needless to say, he remains a must-start and strong DFS option against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. Although Minnesota has been stingy against tight ends, he's virtually matchup-proof.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle, illness) is dealing with an illness on top of his ankle injury this week and missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday. Williams suffered an ankle injury in last Saturday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but the Lions aren't considering it very serious. Still, the 22-year-old second-year player will surely need to get back on the practice field on Friday if he wants to play in the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Even if Williams practices on Friday and ultimately plays this Sunday, he'll be a dart throw for DFS gamers this weekend. Williams hasn't really been a big part of Detroit's offense all year and has only 24 receptions on 42 targets for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games played.

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was once again a limited participant during practice on Thursday. The rookie tight end has now been limited through the first two practices of the week. Despite that, fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried heading into Week 18. The limited sessions are likely just the Lions being cautious with their big tight end. The expectation is that LaPorta will be completely fine in time for the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta is coming off an 84-yard performance and he'll look to build on that this weekend.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond will likely see more snaps in two or three wide receiver sets if Jameson Williams (ankle) cannot suit up in Week 18. Williams has been earning more targets and snaps as of late, but he's dealing with an ankle injury. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds have operated as starters all season, so Raymond has the potential to be the biggest beneficiary of Williams' absence. That said, Raymond is unlikely to see heavy target volume either way against the Minnesota Vikings, so he'd become a mere touchdown-or-bust play in deep leagues if Williams can't go.