No matter where you look, there are stars on the field for the Lions offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams highlight the wide receiver room, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs form the dynamic 1-2 punch in the backfield, Sam LaPorta is holding things down at tight end, and Jared Goff is responsible for distributing the ball to these stars. With such a talented roster, it’s no wonder the Lions have become a powerhouse in the league.
Simply looking at the names on this offensive roster, it shouldn’t be shocking that the Lions have the league’s No. 1 scoring offense, averaging 32.7 points per game. Combine that with the No. 2 scoring defense, and you have a team that many consider the Super Bowl favorite. This is a squad that knows how to put points on the board while keeping their opponents at bay.
Injury updates: Will Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery play this week?
As the Lions gear up for their Thanksgiving matchup against the Bears, they may have to overcome some adversity to find their 11th win of the season and end their Thanksgiving losing streak. Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery are dealing with injuries ahead of this crucial game.
Both St. Brown and Montgomery have followed the same trend with their practice participation this week. They both missed practice on Monday, participated in a limited fashion on Tuesday, and fully practiced on Wednesday. Both have since been listed as "questionable" for Thursday’s game. However, considering both participated in full on Wednesday, it seems likely that both will be able to take the field against the Bears, meaning their "questionable" designations are merely a formality.
Head coach Dan Campbell has expressed optimism that Montgomery will take the field, so it would be a surprise to see him sidelined. St. Brown himself has provided confirmation that he plans to play, so expect to see him on the field.
Amon-Ra St. Brown fantasy outlook Week 13
St. Brown has been very similar to Montgomery in the sense that he is among fantasy’s most consistent producers. A year after finishing as the WR3, St. Brown has been the WR2 through 12 weeks. He is a weekly threat for a 30-percent target share and is a regular recipient of short-yardage touchdowns. There are few receivers you’d rather have on fantasy rosters this season.
Much like Montgomery, St. Brown is a shoo-in starter every week, and he shouldn’t be viewed any differently in this Thanksgiving matchup. He’s the WR8 in our rankings and belongs in lineups everywhere against the Bears this week.
David Montgomery fantasy outlook Week 13
Montgomery has been about as steady of a fantasy producer as they come. He’s averaging 16.3 PPR points per game and comes in as the per-game RB13. The quality of the Lions’ offensive line allows him to be highly efficient, and he has been provided with 12 goal-line carries this season thanks to the quality of the Detroit offense. He’s a talented back in a perfect situation, making him an every-week fantasy starter.
The situation is no different in Week 13, as he comes in as the RB16 in the Sporting News’ RB rankings. He can be started with confidence this week despite the knee injury.
Lions’ WR depth chart: Who is Amon-Ra St. Brown’s backup?
The Lions’ WR1 has been the picture of health over the last two years, missing just one game since the start of the 2023 season. This has been great for Lions fans and fantasy managers alike, but it has prevented us from getting a glimpse at this WR room without St. Brown in the picture.
If St. Brown is a surprise inactive, expect Jameson Williams to take on a large role in the passing game. Tim Patrick, who has flashed this season, would assume WR2. Allen Robinson would be third on the depth chart, providing depth but not necessarily a significant impact.
Lions’ RB depth chart: Who is David Montgomery’s backup?
If Montgomery suffers a setback and doesn’t play on Thursday, it’s safe to say that the Lions will turn to Jahmyr Gibbs to fill his shoes. Gibbs has proven to have an every-down skill set and could reasonably play 90 percent of snaps without Montgomery by his side.
If another back were to mix in alongside Gibbs, it would likely be Craig Reynolds. The six-year veteran has 12 carries this season, most of which have come in blowouts. He would likely play here and there to spell Gibbs, but he wouldn’t be a significant factor in the offense.
Key takeaways for fantasy managers
As we approach Week 13, the stakes are high for both the Lions and fantasy managers alike. With the potential injuries to key players like St. Brown and Montgomery, it’s crucial to stay updated on their statuses.
For those managing fantasy rosters, understanding the depth charts and possible replacements is vital. If you’re relying on Montgomery, keep an eye on Gibbs as a potential standout if Montgomery can’t go. Similarly, if St. Brown is ruled out, Williams could be a valuable asset in your lineup.
In the end, the Lions’ offensive firepower, combined with the potential for injuries, creates a fascinating dynamic for both real-life and fantasy football. As we gear up for this Thanksgiving showdown, the excitement is palpable. Will the Lions continue their high-scoring ways, or will injuries derail their momentum? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this is a team to watch closely as the season progresses.
