An engaging battle awaits us on Monday night as the Las Vegas Raiders and Detroit Lions lock horns at Ford Field, following surprising defeats to teams considered inferior. This match-up raises the question: what will be their response on Monday night?
Detroit, still smarting from a defeat to the Ravens, will have to make do without the prolific running back David Montgomery. Montgomery, who amassed six touchdowns in the five games prior to his rib injury, is a significant loss for the Lions. The Raiders, still reeling from their unexpected loss to the Chicago Bears, can take solace in the expected return of quarterback Jimmy Garropolo.
As we anticipate the “Monday Night Football” action, it’s worth considering the potential PrizePicks plays. One name that stands out is LaPorta. The young tight end has taken the league by storm in his rookie season, notching up 35 receptions for 377 yards and three touchdowns in his first seven games. His current trajectory could see him finish the season with 85 catches, 915 yards and seven scores – impressive stats for a rookie.
LaPorta’s home ground performances have been particularly noteworthy, recording more than 45 receiving yards in all three of his appearances at Detroit’s dome. The void left by Montgomery’s absence could see the Lions resorting to more throws, potentially upping LaPorta’s target share. Furthermore, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit’s primary option in their passing game, has been under the weather, which could further boost LaPorta’s role in the game.
LaPorta’s matchup against the Raiders is promising, given their track record of yielding the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. With Montgomery out, it wouldn’t be surprising to see LaPorta exceed his current projection.
Turning our attention to Goff, the Lions’ quarterback went beyond his projected score in five of his seven games this season. In the previous week, he launched a staggering 53 passes against Baltimore. Though the Lions were playing catch up throughout the game, the week prior saw the Lions control the game against the Buccaneers, with Goff attempting 44 passes.
In the absence of their star running back, the Lions will likely rely more heavily on Goff. Playing at home might also work to their advantage. Goff exceeded 32.5 passes in seven of his nine home games last season and in two of his three home games this season. If the Raiders can keep the game competitive, we may see Goff surpass his projection.
On the other hand, Raiders’ running back Jacobs has only managed to surpass his projected score in three out of seven games this season. Against the Lions’ strong rush defence, which has allowed the second-lowest rushing yards per game, Jacobs may find it challenging to amass more than 61.5 rushing yards.
Lastly, the Lions’ Josh Reynolds seems to be the third choice for Goff this season, behind St. Brown and LaPorta. Despite his limited role, Reynolds has exceeded his projected score in six out of seven games this season. With the Lions expected to rely heavily on passing due to their running back’s absence, Reynolds stands a good chance of recording more than 35.5 receiving yards in the game.
