By Brad Berreman | Originally published in SideLion report
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The idea Jameson Williams would not be a target monster in the Detroit Lions’ offense was defied dramatically when he had 20 targets over the first two games this season. That was set to correct some, and as he has proven himself worthy of attention from defenses he has just nine targets and six catches over the last three games.
Of course two of those catches over the last three games have been touchdowns, spurring Williams to top 75 yards in each of the last two games. Even if he’s not piling up a lot of catches, his speed demands to be accounted for and makes the rest of the Lions’ offense function better.
Fantasy football managers who have a Lions’ player on a roster would surely like to know who’s day it will be each week so far this season. In Week 7, it’s looking like a day Williams will shine.
All signs point to Jameson Williams having a big day vs. Vikings
With those touchdowns the last two weeks (three touchdowns on the season) and some rushing yardage sprinkled in, Williams has topped 14 fantasy points (full PPR) in four of five games this season. Even with a little “boom or bust” to him, he is basically an every-week fantasy starter now.
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With how Williams has lined up so far this season (outside and in the slot), it’s hard to focus on a particular cornerback matchup he’ll face in a given week. For Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, Pro Football Focus honed in on matchup with Byron Murphy, while Rotoballer pointed to a matchup against Shaquill Griffin. In both cases, when added to the blitz-heavy tendencies of Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores, it’s spotlighted as a favorable matchup for Williams.
“Minnesota’s defense ranks second among NFL teams in total plays with a blitz (171), first in pass blitz percentage (51.5%) and seventh in zone coverage snaps (278).”
“Williams ranks second among Detroit pass-catchers against zone coverage in total targets (22) and yards per route run (2.07) while recording team highs in average depth of target (13.0 yards) and yards after the catch per reception (12.8).”
“He also ranks second among Detroit pass-catchers against the blitz in total targets (13), yards per route run (4.60) and yards after the catch per reception (15.4) while leading the team in average depth of target (16.6 yards) and explosive pass plays (six).”