Week 8 boom: Amon-Ra St. Brown – MEH
Week 8 bust: Alex Anzalone – HIT
The Detroit Lions returned home last week and found a way to start scoring points again, but their defense remains a major cause for concern. At this point, every Lions’ defensive player is likely to bust given the miserable performances the unit has posted. So this week, the offensive players will be highlighted in a divisional matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Boom: Jamaal Williams
This week, Jamaal Williams plays his former team, who is struggling much more than expected. Part of the Packers’ struggles have been their inability to stop the run, allowing the third most rushing yards in the league this season. Last week, their run defense looked abysmal against a Buffalo Bills offense which has had no success running the ball with their backs. Thus, Williams has a perfect opportunity to continue his impressive 2022 campaign. D’Andre Swift could miss Sunday’s game with an injury, and if not, he is bound to be limited as he was last week. A heavy workload for Williams will be essential to a Lions’ victory, especially because the Packers’ secondary has performed far better than their front seven. Williams has dominated this season in the red zone, where the Packers have often defended the pass very well. All of these conditions should result in a strong showing from Williams in an important game for Dan Campbell’s team.
Bust: Jared Goff
Jared Goff’s 2022 season has been filled with ups and downs and ultimately not enough wins. As the Lions currently hold the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the team’s future quarterback is in sight. Goff has not been terrible, but is clearly not the answer in Detroit, and the team’s record proves that. Goff has performed far better at home, but this week, he opposes one of the best pass defenses in the league. The Packers’ defense has allowed the third fewest passing yards this season, led by Jaire Alexander who has been a rare bright spot for the 2022 Packers. As mentioned earlier, a heavy running game will benefit the Lions this week. It is no sure thing that this will occur, but if so, it could limit Goff’s opportunities. Goff’s inconsistencies are bound to strike again when he has to face a distinguished pass defense.
