The 4-7 Bears travel to Detroit to take on the high-powered 10-1 Lions in a classic Thanksgiving NFC North clash on Thursday. Chicago needs this game for any hope of a NFC Wildcard spot but the juggernaut Lions could finish business in their own division as the top NFC team. This could even extend to them being the top overall team in the NFL if they keep up their extraordinary pace.
While it is optimistic the Bear’s offense has played better as of late, they face a tough test in Detroit and will need to keep up with Ben Johnson’s offense which has not given any team’s mercy. Matt Eberflus’ defense and Thomas Brown have lost two close ones after Chicago fired Shane Waldron, while Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn have been biting off kneecaps.
Bears vs. Lions DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
Rome Odunze ($5K DraftKings, $5.5K Fanduel)
The rookie hasn’t had his big game with the new offensive coordinator but it could be coming. Rome Odunze has seen double-digit targets in the last two weeks but that hasn’t led to fantasy points. While veteran Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore have had monster performances, Odunze could be the next guy to show out in the box score. Especially at the price point, it is a value play that could pay dividends.
Cole Kmet ($3.6K DraftKings, $5.2K Fanduel)
Even though this is a tough matchup in Detroit against their defense, Kmet did have a rebound week and is now seeing volume again. While it hasn’t been consistent, the upside for the Bears’ tight end is high, as he has had double-digit target weeks this year with 10 against the Minnesota Vikings in week 12. With Chicago likely passing more to keep up with the high-paced Lions, this leads to more volume and Kmet could get lucky with a touchdown or two.
Bears vs. Lions DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
David Montgomery ($6.5K DraftKings, $7.6K Fanduel)
With David Montgomery questionable entering this game after suffering a shoulder injury, this may lead the way for Gibbs to get more touches than usual. While he did practice in full on Wednesday, if this game is more of a back-and-forth, Gibbs is usually more involved while Monty could be preserved. At his price, Montgomery needs a touchdown to pay off against a soft Bears run defense. The “Sonic and Knuckles” dynamic backfield will look to remain dominant for the Lions.
Sam LaPorta ($4.1K DraftKings, $5.7K Fanduel)
While this could be a big Sam LaPorta week, he has only gotten there in fantasy cause of touchdowns. Even still, his output has been middling to where he was as a rookie. The volume is still the issue, however, they are playing a defense that allowed a huge game from T.J. Hockenson through the air last week. While the Lions tight end may have a decent floor with his price, the upside is not there since he isn’t the focal point of their offense like last year.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Jahmyr Gibbs ($7.5K DraftKings, $8.4K Fanduel)
This might be the lock for everyone in DFS for the Thanksgiving slate. Jahmyr Gibbs has been a top 5 consistent fantasy running back in PPR off of his receiving volume, touchdowns, and big play runs on the ground. We have seen more usage in close games, so if Chicago can keep it interesting, that should be more looks for Gibbs. His floor is insanely high so there isn’t a reason to fade him in this spot.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
D’Andre Swift ($6K DraftKings, $6.7K Fanduel)
D’Andre Swift is still a starter in PPR but he has a hard task against a stout Lions run defense against his former team. Roschon Johnson has also been their red zone goalline back, so he always can vulture a touchdown or two. Swift would only get there if he could have a few broken plays that lead to scores, along with some receiving volume. But at his price tag, it is worth it to pay extra for Gibbs.
Conclusion
I wouldn’t be surprised if Jameson Williams or Tim Patrick (with Kalif Raymond on I.R.) pops off against a stingy but exploitable Bears secondary like last week. Justin Jefferson was shut down but Jordan Addison and Hockenson had huge days. Amon-Ra St. Brown is coming into this game questionable with a knee injury, so he may not be as productive as his usual self. Both quarterbacks Jared Goff for the Lions and Caleb Williams for the Bears can get there fantasy-wise in this game, but the more popular option will likely be the rookie due to salary.
