Detroit Lions DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) underwent a full workout on Saturday, according to NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football broadcast. This was Montgomery's first full workout since suffering an MCL sprain in Week 15, and it indicates that the veteran running back could be nearing a return to the field. Head coach Dan Campbell wouldn't comment on his timetable, though, and when NBC Sports' Melissa Stark asked Campbell if Montgomery could play next week, he said, "I'm excited. I'll just say that." That question is moot now that Detroit has clinched a bye through Wild Card Weekend, but the bottom line is that Montgomery might have a real chance to play in the Lions' next game during the Divisional Round. He and Jahmyr Gibbs arguably form the best one-two punch in the NFL, so having both backs healthy for the playoffs would give the Lions an enormous boost.

Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (back) and linebacker Alex Anzalone (forearm) will suit up for Sunday night's pivotal matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. With David Montgomery (knee) sidelined, Reynolds will back up Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 18. However, the 28-year-old has been sparingly involved since Montgomery went down, so he's not expected to provide any fantasy value. As far as Anzalone is concerned, he hasn't played since mid-November. Fortunately, the Lions will get back one of their captains versus a potent Vikings offense.

Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (back) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Reynolds seemed fine all week until popping up on the injury report on Friday. As a result, Reynolds gets tagged as questionable for this game with could leave the Lions shorthanded with David Montgomery (knee) already ruled out. That means, Jermar Jefferson would likely serve as the primary backup if Reynolds is unable to play. Last week, Reynolds rushed seven times for 31 yards while hauling in both his targets for 35 yards in the win. Reynolds could be a possible deep league option for fantasy managers still in championship games this weekend. Otherwise, Reynolds can be avoided for this big Sunday night matchup.

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates should benefit from the competitive, high-scoring nature of Sunday night's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. With the NFC's No. 1 seed on the line, Detroit will stay highly competitive and keep its foot on the gas pedal for all 60 minutes. This bodes well for Bates, who has thrived in high-leverage situations all year long and benefits when the Lions put up a lot of points. In his first NFL season, Bates ranks eighth among all kickers in fantasy points. He has made a whopping 60 of 63 extra points, plus 25 of 28 field goals. He does have two missed field goals and two missed extra points over his last three games, but fantasy managers shouldn't have any concerns about his accuracy given his track record and high fantasy points total this season. Bates should be deployed as a top-five kicking option for the final week of the 2024 regular season.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has had a decent season, especially for a wideout who missed so much time due to injuries over the years. He's appeared in 15 contests during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling 31 catches for 379 yards and three touchdowns. Without question, Patrick was more productive while a member of the Denver Broncos. He also hasn't been a trustworthy fantasy option, with that trend expected to continue when the Lions meet the Vikings in Week 18.