Fantasy managers are scrambling around for fill-ins in Week 16. Add the Detroit Lions to the list of teams with a depleted offense for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Not only is starting quarterback Jared Goff sidelined, but running back D'Andre Swift — who hasn't played since getting hurt against the Bears on Thanksgiving — was also ruled out.
Swift had been trending up prior to the injury, averaging 133 rushing yards in his two previous games.
Plus, with inexperienced quarterback Tim Boyle under center, there could potentially be some opportunities for other Detroit backs to earn some volume Sunday.
Enter Craig Reynolds and Jamaal Williams.
Lions Fantasy Rankings & Advice
According to our consensus fantasy rankings assembled by resident experts Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon, Swift was RB27 prior to the injury, projected for 9.2 points.
Reynolds meanwhile, boosts to RB31 in standard scoring leagues in Koerner's pecking order, while Williams is RB36.
Reynolds has earned the lion's share of carries (no pun intended) the last two weeks with Williams and Swift sidelined, posting 195 yards on 37 carries.
Detroit was actually in a positive game script last week against Arizona, leading the entire game. Reynolds benefited, carrying the ball 26 times.
However, is there enough upside on either back to pluck for Sunday? Probably not. Not only should the two cut into each other's volume, Reynolds has yet to post a touchdown despite the recent success. He has just three total targets in the passing game on the year.
Williams, meanwhile, hasn't hit pay dirt since Week 3. After collecting 11 total receptions across his first two games, he has that many over his previous eight combined.
