In Week 14, the Green Bay Packers faced the Detroit Lions, and several players stood out with their performances. Josh Jacobs was a standout, scoring three rushing touchdowns in a single game for the second time this season. Jacobs rushed 18 times for 66 yards and added three touchdowns, becoming one of only six players this year to score three rushing touchdowns in a game. Tim Patrick, in an expanded role, also shined, catching six passes for 43 yards and scoring two touchdowns. This marked his first two touchdowns as a Detroit Lions player, showing his growing impact on the offense.
The Packers were once again without wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who missed his second consecutive game due to a concussion. With Doubs sidelined, the Packers continued their wide receiver rotation, with Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson starting and playing extended snaps. Jayden Reed, despite being expected to have a big game due to the Lions’ vulnerability to slot receivers, was largely ineffective. The Lions’ defense struggled most against wide receivers running routes in man coverage, a scenario where Watson excelled. Reed, who had averaged 130 receiving yards per game in losses and only 34 in wins, was a letdown in this game. As a result, Reed has been one of the more frustrating fantasy wide receivers, with only four weeks inside the top-24 and seven outside the top-40.
Tim Patrick’s role has steadily increased as he took on a larger share of snaps in 12 and 13 personnel formations, particularly after Kalif Raymond was placed on injured reserve. Patrick’s increased playing time led to him scoring two touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a key contributor in Detroit’s offense. The shift in playing time, with Jameson Williams and Patrick splitting roles, didn’t drastically affect the team’s general performance but did lead to Patrick’s increased scoring.
Additionally, the Lions signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander to their active roster. Alexander, who made his season debut last week and has one career reception, continues to contribute mainly on special teams.
The Packers’ offense struggled without Doubs, while Patrick’s rise in the Lions’ offense provided a positive takeaway for fantasy managers. As for the Packers’ receiving corps, Wicks left the game after taking a hit but was able to walk off the field on his own, leaving his status for future games uncertain. If both Wicks and Doubs are unavailable, expect Bo Melton and Malik Heath to split snaps.
