5. WR Jameson Williams
Prior to missing the regular season finale with an ankle injury, Williams had some really good momentum going. He played 57 percent or more of the offensive snaps in seven straight games before that. The play he was injured on, a 63-bomb against the Cowboys in Week 17, was a nice development as those kind of plays showcasing him as a deep threat have been too rare. In the two games before the Dallas game, Williams totaled 13 targets as his involvement beyond sheer snaps finally spiked.
Williams in on track to play on Sunday night, with full practices on Wednesday and Thursday before carrying no official injury designation on Friday. The Rams' pass defense has not been quite as bad as the Lions' pass defense has been this season (more on that to come), but they aren't exactly a shutdown secondary either. In three of their four games before Week 18, when starters rested, they allowed at least 284 passing yards. Safety Jordan Fuller (ankle) did not practice all week.
Williams can obviously change a game with one big play. As Jeff Iafrate of Woodward Sports added to that sentiment, he is also not a stranger to playing in big games, having played in the College Football Playoff and the national title game during his one season at Alabama.
Jameson Williams is the X-Factor for this Detroit Lions offense. pic.twitter.com/8S1m3Qlvce
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 12, 2024
Williams should have some opportunities to make plays in favorable coverage situations on Sunday night. If Jared Goff can connect with him and he can make those plays, it will be huge for the Lions' success as an offense.