Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Lions, Week 6
By Joe Kipp
5. TE Jimmy Graham leads the team in receiving
Without Davante Adams (turf toe), the Packers will need to rely on somebody in the passing game. Without Adams last week against the Cowboys, Aaron Rodgers completed a pass to nine different players. Despite that, only four completed passes went to wide receivers. In addition to Adams, the Packers are likely to be without tight end Robert Tonyan (hip).
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It’s time for Jimmy Graham to step up. Graham is coming off his best game in a Packers uniform, though it wasn’t his receiving ability that made him stand out. Graham was a menace in the running game, and showed tenacity and effort in his blocking that we simply haven’t seen for much of his career.
Receivers Geronimo Allison and Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be matched up with cornerbacks Darius Slay, Justin Coleman and Rashaan Melvin, all three of which are respectable players. That leaves Graham as the de facto No. 1 target, against the stiff-legged linebacker Jarrad Davis in coverage.
Davis has struggled all year covering tight ends, and Graham is simply too big to be covered by a safety or corner. Even though he’s lost a step due to his age, Graham still has the capability to win one-on-one matchups due to his size and catch radius. I’m predicting Graham to post 70-plus yards and a touchdown against the Lions, which should be enough to be the team’s leading receiver.