Lions vs. Packers: 3 sleepers to watch in Week 14

Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions could get big performances from these three sleepers

Coming off a big victory last week against the Chicago Bears to kick off offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s first game as interim head coach, the Detroit Lions are hoping to duplicate those results against another NFC North foe. This time, it’s the divisional-leading 9-3 Green Bay Packers.

In order to take down the potential NFC North champions, the Lions will need big performances from unexpected places. Here are three sleepers we believe could prove to be difference-makers in Week 14.

Danny Amendola, WR

Without wide receiver Kenny Golladay in the lineup the last time these two teams meet in Week Two, it was slot receiver Danny Amendola who led the team with seven targets. With Golladay again out with a hip injury, and Amendola having returned just last week from his own hip issues, we believe this could be a get-right performance by the 35-year old wideout.

Kerryon Johnson, RB

While rookie running back D’Andre Swift is questionable for this matchup due to illness, there seems to be some optimism that he’ll play. Yet, after missing the past three games, the Lions’ coaching staff may want to limit Swift’s pitch count.

And while running back Adrian Peterson scored twice last weekend against the Chicago Bears, we believe there may be a Kerryon Johnson sighting in this matchup. The former starter notched a team-high eight carries when these teams last played each other in Week Two, resulting in 32 rushing yards and Johnson’s only touchdown on the ground this season.

Jamie Collins, LB

While many will not consider linebacker Jamie Collins to be a sleeper, we’re anticipating him to do something he’s done only once this season. And that’s sack the quarterback. The last time Collins recorded a sack it was against these same Packers back in Week Two.

Just last season, Collins notched 7.0 sacks as a member of the New England Patriots, the highest amount of his eight-year career. Unfortunately, the 31-year old veteran defender has been unable to be as effective in the Motor City. But perhaps seeing the green and yellow across the field from him again will awaken those dormant pass-rushing skills.

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