Fantasy Football Impact of Jameson Williams' Suspension: Jahmyr Gibbs, Kalif Raymond, Sam LaPorta and More

Detroit lost their second receiver for two games with a PED suspension and could take several avenues to replace his production.

Lions’ wide receiver Jameson Williams has been suspended two games for a performance-enhancing drug violation. It’s Williams’ second suspension as a pro, first missing four games last year because of a sports gambling violation.

Williams is enjoying something of a breakout in 2024. In Week 3, he had just one catch for nine yards, and last week his only catch went for negative-four yards. Williams has otherwise been over 75 yards in every game and scored three touchdowns. He even had three carries that went for over 10 yards.

There is a gap in the offense with Williams out, and the other pass catchers will have a chance to step into production. Detroit’s next two games are against the Titans and Packers. Tennessee started the season well against a weak schedule but just gave up 323 passing yards and two touchdowns to Josh Allen.

Green Bay has been better at times, still allowing big performances to Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold but limiting C.J. Stroud to just 86 yards on 10 of 21 passing on Sunday. Nico Collins is out with an injury, but the Packers just shut down one of the most consistent passing games of the last year-and-a-half.

Detroit’s offense is good enough that they will move the ball against pretty much anyone. The secondary receiving work behind Amon-Ra St. Brown can be solved several different ways using a combination of running backs, wide receivers, and a seemingly absent tight end.

Increase the Work of the Running Backs

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are already involved in the passing game, averaging around five receptions and 47 yards per game combined. While Williams is second on the team in yards and touchdowns, Gibbs’ 18 receptions are one ahead of the receiver.

If the receiving corps is light, the backs are more than capable of picking up some of the slack. They already run the ball so much (each carrying the ball 14 times per game), and the Detroit RBs could see an even bigger fantasy boost for a few weeks without Williams.

Next Man Up: Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond

The easiest way to replace one player’s production is to have someone else step in and do close to the same thing. Patrick and Raymond each have an opportunity for more snaps and targets individually. The most likely outcome, however, is that they fill the role jointly.

That lowers the possible value of both guys. Patrick has played more snaps, but Raymond has more targets and receptions. It will be a toss-up as to who will produce more; fantasy usually comes down to who gets in the end zone.

Both Patrick and Raymond will be WR3/4/flex type players to consider. The matchups aren’t great, but both guys will get expanded roles in a great offense. I slightly prefer Raymond, but it’s 50/50.

The Old Friend the Tight End

Sam LaPorta: What happened? The man who led all tight ends in touchdowns last season and was in the top five in receptions and yards is averaging just over two catches and 37 yards per game.

Even those numbers are boosted by his only catch in Week 6, a 52-yard touchdown (his only score of the season). LaPorta has been just a regular tight end rather than the superstar he was last year.

Maybe Williams stepping up as the second option has butted into LaPorta’s work. The running backs carry a huge load, and there are only so many footballs to go around. St. Brown, Gibbs, and Montgomery might just be doing too much to allow multiple other guys to excel.

Tennessee has been very good against tight ends, and Green Bay has been very bad against tight ends, so LaPorta will get a mix of matchups. Fantasy owners will hope this is his time to shine with one less mouth to feed.

Conclusion

The most likely outcome is probably a mix of all three options. Patrick and Raymond are worth grabbing as WR3/4/flex players to consider. The matchups aren’t the best, but Detroit is a machine; they’re the new 49ers.

The running backs are both weekly starters; same with St. Brown. While LaPorta could see his usage expand, he will likely play a similar role to what he has all season.

The loss of Williams will affect the team, but Detroit has the talent to overcome his short absence. It’s mostly business as usual with a little more fantasy value given to the backup receivers.

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