Over/Under: 43.0
Lions Implied Team Total: 22.75
Packers Implied Team Total: 20.25
We've discussed the potential shootouts on the slate, but let's go off the board a little bit and take a look at Monday night's NFC North showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. While the game lacks the allure it held when the Lions were 3-1 and Aaron Rodgers was healthy, there are plenty of intriguing plays in a game that is projected to be very competitive.
Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Detroit Lions
FanDuel Price: $6,000
Quietly, Marvin Jones Jr. has emerged into a highly productive contributor in recent weeks. In fact, over his last three contests, the former Cincinnati Bengal has snared 18 receptions for 278 yards and a touchdown. Over that same span, he's out-targeted number one receiver Golden Tate ($7,300), 33 to 23. Yes, Tate has been limited by a shoulder injury lately, but that doesn't diminish what Jones has accomplished.
The Packers are allowing 28.2 FanDuel points per contest (seventh-most) to opposing wideouts in 2017, yet Jones is still priced as the WR30 this week in spite of his recent production. There may not be a better week to start him all season.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
FanDuel Price: $6,900
Call it a hunch, but I expect Brett Hundley's ($6,300) second career start to be more productive than his first. Hundley only completed 12 passes for 87 yards and an interception as the Packers struggled against an improved Saints defense in Week 7, but he's in a better position to succeed this time around, and Jordy Nelson could be a primary beneficiary. The Lions defense has been adequate against the run, but has allowed 28.1 FanDuel points per contest (eighth-most) to wide receivers. Opposing defenses are paying Davante Adams ($6,500) a lot of attention and a matchup with Lions' top cover man Darius Slay could be in order. That certainly improves Nelson's outlook.
The Saints shadowed Davante Adams with Marshon Lattimore on 82% of routes in Wk 7. 2nd week in a row Adams has drawn opposing team's top CB
— Jeff Ratcliffe (@JeffRatcliffe) October 23, 2017
When was the last time you could start Nelson for WR14 cost? This is a risky move, but he is one of the most prolific touchdown scorers in the NFL and could be a terrific contrarian play in tournaments.
Others to Consider
Matthew Stafford ($7,900) has attempted an outlandish 97 passes over his last two games for an equally-ridiculous 735 yards. The Lions running game has been poor and the offensive line is banged up. Another pass-heavy outing is almost certainly in store, but the Lions are struggling to find the end zone, and as such, Stafford has produced two games with zero touchdown passes this season.
The aforementioned Golden Tate has 14 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown over his last two games in spite of missing a chunk of a Week 6 matchup with New Orleans due to his injury. The Lions passing game is a two-man show right now, and he is a quality start, albeit considerably more expensive than Jones.
Aaron Jones' ($6,900) 0.20 Rushing NEP per play is the third-best figure among all 20-plus carry runners, and the rookie has emerged as the team's lead back and a focal point of the offense. The Packers will lean on him heavily in this one, although the matchup is somewhat middle-of-the-road.