Christian Watson hasn't played yet this season, sidelined by a hamstring injury. He says he's planning to play against the Lions on Thursday, which isn't a guarantee, but it's better than him hesitating. On the off-chance he was dropped in some league, a refresher is in order.
The Packers have got fine play from their fill-in youngsters Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, and Index favorite Romeo Doubs has also been very good. But when Watson was healthy the second half of last season, he was Aaron Rodgers' favorite target.
Table below shows Watson in his final eight games last year. Fifteen-plus fantasy points five times, 8-1o in two others; just 1-2 duds.
| CHRISTIAN WATSON, LAST EIGHT GAMES | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opp | Tgt | No | Rec | TD | PPR |
| Dall | 8 | 4 | 107 | 3 | 32.7 |
| Tenn. | 6 | 4 | 48 | 2 | 20.8 |
| at Phil. | 6 | 4 | 110 | 1 | 21.0 |
| at Chi. | 7 | 3 | 48 | 2 | 19.8 |
| LAR | 6 | 4 | 46 | 0 | 8.6 |
| at Mia. | 8 | 6 | 49 | 0 | 10.9 |
| Minn. | 5 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 2.1 |
| Det. | 6 | 5 | 104 | 0 | 15.4 |
I'm not sure I'm bold enough to throw Watson right into Thursday's lineup; depends on my other options, and if he practices fully today. But it's possible.
An additional note on Thursday's game, and possibly even more momentous: the Lions are saying David Montgomery might return from a thigh injury. Montgomery looked solid prior to getting hurt. His return, while a negative for Jahmyr Gibbs, would be a plus for those holding the starter (and for the Lions, as well).
--Andy Richardson