Jameson Williams’ Week 1 line against the New Orleans Saints looked fine on the surface: four catches, 45 yards, a win for the Detroit Lions. But the way it played out told a different story. The fifth-year receiver had multiple drops, including an early miss on a deep ball over his shoulder, and Detroit’s offense never really settled into a rhythm.
That’s why Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills feels like a spot where the Lions could use him early and often. Detroit is trying to take down a team projected to contend in the AFC, and a cleaner, more explosive outing from Williams would go a long way.
SportsBettingDime’s Drew Ellis sees that kind of rebound coming, and he’s backing Williams to go over his projected receiving yards total as his Lions best bet of the week.
"On paper, things don’t look great with the Lions being down two offensive linemen," Ellis told Lions OnSI. "But, Buffalo gave up nearly 400 yards to a Houston offense last week that hasn’t been known for offensive line strength. Combine that with Jameson Williams, who is coming off arguably his worst showing as a starter for the Lions."
The optimism around Williams isn’t hard to understand. He’s coming off back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and has become a central piece of Detroit’s passing game. His game-breaking speed gives the Lions a chance to attack downfield, and that’s exactly the kind of trait that can stress Buffalo’s secondary.
Ellis also pointed to Williams’ ability to turn a quiet night into a productive one in a hurry.
"I believe in buying low, and I look for Williams to bounce back Thursday night when Detroit needs him. Even in his down game last week, he still had 45 receiving yards," Ellis explained.
"Getting to 60 yards isn’t a big ask for Williams, as that can happen in one play if he gets in space. He had at least 60 receiving yards in 10 games last season and I like him to get there tonight against Buffalo."
Gaming odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
In Other News...
Lions Fans Had Another Reason To Be Furious During Bills Loss
The Lions already had plenty to stew over after Thursday nights 41-31 loss to the Bills, but the frustration did not stop with the scoreboard. As Buffalo pulled away behind Josh Allens five total touchdowns, the broadcast managed to add another jolt for Detroit fans when a graphic incorrectly listed the Bills at 3-0 and the Lions at 1-2.
It was the kind of small but glaring mistake that tends to feel bigger in the middle of a disappointing national showcase. For Lions supporters, it only sharpened an already sour night, one where the team left with a loss and the broadcast booth gave them one more reason to grumble. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Rookies Suddenly Have A Chance To Fix A Growing Secondary Problem
The Lions first game at their new stadium did more than hand them a 41-31 loss to Buffalo. It also underscored how much youth and depth matter on a secondary that is still sorting itself out, with several rookies sidelined or inactive while the team tried to piece together its back end. First-round pick Blake Miller missed the game with a knee injury, and cornerback Keith Abney was inactive as Christian Izien returned, leaving Detroit with fewer young options than it had hoped to evaluate in a high-profile setting.
Avonte Maddoxs foot injury only adds to the uncertainty, because the Lions are now looking at a defensive backfield that could use quick answers. For a team that has leaned on development at key spots, the situation creates an opening for rookies to get back into the mix and potentially stabilize a problem that became harder to ignore in a lopsided home debut. [Read more 🡒]
Jahmyr Gibbs Just Gave Lions Fans An Uncomfortable Week 1 Issue
Jahmyr Gibbs Week 1 tape added a little extra edge to an already eventful start for the Lions, with the NFL deciding after the fact to punish a play that officials let go in the moment. The running back was fined $23,027 for lowering his helmet and making forcible contact with a Saints cornerback, a ruling that puts a spotlight on how closely the league is watching contact at the point of attack.
The fine was the biggest of the 20 handed out across the league after the opening week, and it serves as an early reminder that even routine-looking runs can carry consequences once the league office reviews them. For Detroit, it is the kind of small but uncomfortable development that can linger for a player whose impact depends on physicality and timing, especially when the next few weeks are already about settling into the season. [Read more 🡒]