NFL Thursday Night Football Lions v. Packers DFS Showdown

Week 4 kicks off with NFL Thursday Night Football at Lambeau field, with the Lions facing the Packers. This NFC North battle should be a good one and it’s needed after last weeks dreadful Giants/Niners game. The extra wrinkle in this game is the fact that it gives the early division lead to whoever wins. Furthermore, let’s not forget the last time these teams met, it was Detroit winning and keeping the Packers from reaching the playoffs. It’s a new season, but things like that stick with guys who were apart of that game last year. Time to get down to business though, lets get into the picks for tonights showdown. Like always, I am giving my captain pick, fillers, bargain bin, and who to avoid in tonight’s matchup.

Captain Pick

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (DK-$12,000/FD-$10,000)

The rise of LaPorta in the Lions offense has been quick. It’s not shocking though, considering TJ Hockenson was a favorite target of Goff before being traded last year. LaPorta stepped into that spot and is reaping the benefits. He has a good matchup against the Packers and has increased his targets and yardage every week. In week 3 against the Falcons he saw 11 targets that resulted in 8 catches for 84 yards and 1 TD. I expect more of the same from LaPorta and look for a solid outing from the captain spot tonight.

Fillers

The Quarterbacks: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (DK-$10,400/FD-$15,500) and Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (DK-$9800/FD-$16,000)

This is a two for one, because honestly I would say the same thing about both of these quarterbacks. I usually don’t like placing both QBs into my lineup to vary it up, but it makes sense here. Goff and Love are off to great starts to their season with both airing it out for over 650 yards so far and 5+ touchdowns through the air. They have each added a TD on the ground as well. The biggest difference between the two is Love uses his legs much more than Goff. Meanwhile, Goff will chuck it around the field a bit more than Love. In the end they even out in their production. Goff has averaged 20 fppg and Love is at 22.9 fppg, I expect to both be around those numbers at the end of the game tonight. With the other picks I’m giving you, they both have a nice stack that could lead to a big night for everyone.

Bargain Bin

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (DK-$5600/FD-$9000)

As we get into week 4 the bargains are harder to find. Jayden Reed fits the bill in this weeks showdown. He should see plenty of snaps on offense and has garnered no less than 40 yards in all three games this season. Even with Christian Watson possibly returning to the lineup tonight, Reed should still see a fair share of looks. Watson will probably be on a pitch count and when he’s on the field, it’ll be less eyes on Reed.

Sleeper Bargain: Patrick Taylor, Green Bay Packers (DK-$3000/FD-$6000)

This pick is strictly if Aaron Jones is ruled out for tonight. Taylor has gotten carries in all 3 games so far, and would continue to see more if Jones is out. AJ Dillon has been struggling as the lead back, so if Jones is out, I could see Taylor seeing even more chances than even the 5 carries he got against Atlanta. Again, ONLY IF AARON JONES IS OUT!

Avoid

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (DK-$9600/FD-$12,000)

The rookie Gibbs has had a decent start to his first year in the NFL. In his first start with David Montgomery sidelined, he had 80 yards in 17 rushes. That isn’t terrible, but it’s not the numbers you are hoping for from a guy that got the majority of offensive snaps out of the backfield. Plus the Lions line is looking thin heading into Thursday night. They’ve already ruled out right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai and swing tackle Matt Nelson, which will make the running lanes harder to form and get through for Gibbs. Look at the Lions weapons on the outside this week.

Let’s roll for NFL Thursday night football and all get in that green!

*All customers of daily fantasy sports should use their skills and judgment in building lineups. In addition, I may use different players and strategies than what I recommend above as games get closer.