The Lions prevented the Packers from reaching the postseason last year by defeating them in Green Bay in Week 18. They’ll meet for the first time this year to jumpstart Week 4. It should be a competitive contest, and some youngsters might put their best foot forward in their first foray into this NFC North rivalry.
Here are my best PrizePicks player predictions for Week 4, “Thursday Night Football,” Lions vs. Packers.
View our PrizePicks Cheat Sheet for today’s top props >>
The Lions prevented the Packers from reaching the postseason last year by defeating them in Green Bay in Week 18. They’ll meet for the first time this year to jumpstart Week 4. It should be a competitive contest, and some youngsters might put their best foot forward in their first foray into this NFC North rivalry.
Here are my best PrizePicks player predictions for Week 4, “Thursday Night Football,” Lions vs. Packers.
View our PrizePicks Cheat Sheet for today’s top props >>
Best TNF Week 4 PrizePicks Player Predictions
Love isn’t a statue quarterback. Instead, he has athleticism and mobility. Love rushed for only 12 yards in a blowout victory in Week 1 but rumbled for 23 and 39 in competitive games in Week 2 and Week 3.
He’s gained yards on the ground via scrambles and designed runs. According to The 33rd Team, Love has had two designed runs and seven scrambles.
Meanwhile, the Lions have allowed 68 rushing yards on just 11 rush attempts to opposing quarterbacks this year. Love should eclipse 16.5 rushing yards this week, and FantasyPros projects him for 20.8.
Matt LaFleur hasn’t asked too much of Love as a passer yet in his first year as a starting quarterback. According to RotoViz’s pace app, Green Bay has passed on just 52% of their 109 plays in a neutral game script.
However, the sledding will be tough on the ground for Green Bay’s running backs, and teams have frequently avoided running against Detroit’s stout run defense this season. Teams facing the Lions this year have passed on 64% of 157 plays in a neutral game script.
Musgrave should be one of Love’s favorite options when he slings the pigskin this week. The rookie tight end has averaged 3.7 receptions and 41.3 receiving yards per game this year, besting 37.5 receiving yards twice. Furthermore, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Musgrave leads the Packers in routes (89) this season.
Finally, he has a Charmin-soft matchup this week. The Lions have allowed the most receptions (25) and receiving yards (263) to tight ends this season and permitted three to eclipse Musgrave’s line of 37.5 receiving yards. Musgrave can be the next tight end to get the better of Detroit’s defense.
LaPorta is balling out in his rookie campaign. Among tight ends targeted at least eight times this season, LaPorta is second in PFF’s receiving grade, first in Yards per Route Run (2.24 Y/RR), tied for second in receptions (18), and first in receiving yards (186).
Since beginning his professional career with 39 receiving yards against the Chiefs, LaPorta has erupted for 63 and 84 receiving yards. Detroit’s blossoming rookie tight end can maintain his momentum in a run-of-the-mill matchup. The Packers have allowed 45.0 receiving yards per game to tight ends this season, and FantasyPros projects LaPorta for 46.9 receiving yards.
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday:
Check out today’s best PrizePicks player props >>
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
