Detroit Lions DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has been elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. That means, Patrick will be on the active roster for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Patrick was surprisingly cut by the Denver Broncos in late August. This comes after he hauled in 53 receptions for 734 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with Denver last season. The Lions quickly scooped him up on their practice squad. Fellow wideout Isaiah Williams (abdomen) has been ruled out, which opens up a window for Patrick. However, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams remain the primary passing targets in this offense. Patrick will likely serve as depth, but will hopefully be given a chance to prove himself as a viable depth option.

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery will look to continue his strong performance in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who boast a tough run defense. In Week 1, Montgomery impressed with 91 rushing yards on 17 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored the game-winning touchdown. He again led in touches over Jahmyr Gibbs, with a 20-15 split, though Gibbs scored earlier in the game on a rare goal-line carry. The Buccaneers' defense is anchored by elite run-stopper Vita Vea, and only seven running backs surpassed 60 rushing yards against Tampa Bay last season, with three needing at least 20 carries to do so. Given the strength of the Buccaneers' run defense, the Lions will likely implement a pass-heavy game plan targeting Tampa Bay's banged-up secondary. While it's promising that quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Brian Robinson found success on the ground against the Buccaneers last week, Montgomery may find it challenging to replicate such a performance. As a running back who isn't heavily involved in the passing game, Montgomery should be considered a low-end RB2 or Flex option. Start him with caution and manage expectations, given the difficult matchup.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a mediocre start to the 2024 season. Goff passed for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Goff faced off against one of the easiest passing defenses in the league in Week 1, now he has to go against a better defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Goff has done well against them in the past, throwing for 353 yards and two touchdowns last season in Week 6. Tampa Bay will also be without star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. With week one behind them, the Detroit Lions should only be getting better, making Goff a high mid-level fantasy QB going into Week 2.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a disappointing Week 1 performance. The Lions star receiver will look to bounce back against the Tampa Buccaneers in Week 2. St. Brown had three catches on six targets for only 13 yards. Most of the air yards went to Jameson Williams, who led the team in targets, catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns. St. Brown is still, without a doubt, the team's first option, but the USC product will see a more challenging matchup in Tampa Bay's defense. He should definitely see improvement from his season opener, as St. Brown has had a better Week 2 than Week 1 in every season of his career. He also had 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 last year against the Buccaneers. As always, St. Brown is a must-start in all fantasy leagues.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) was listed as questionable for Sunday's game on Friday's injury report, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. The 23-year-old wideout was a limited participant throughout the week and will now enter the weekend with an uncertain status. The Alabama product had a slow start to his professional career but enjoyed a massive game in Week 1 as he led the way in the Detroit victory by catching five of his nine targets for 121 yards and a score. If the former first-round selection does not suit up on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Kalif Raymond to line up as the No.2 wide receiver opposite of Amon-Ra St. Brown.