After months of waiting, we are mere days away from the first week of the 2025 NFL season. Your first fantasy football matchup of the year is about to kick off, which means there are already some decisions to make.
WR Jameson Williams’ name has been a popular query in PFSN’s Start/Sit Optimizer. Should fantasy managers start the Detroit Lions’ deep threat against the Green Bay Packers this week?
Breakout Season Shows Promise, But Faces Elite Opposition
Williams took a massive step forward in 2024, averaging 2.23 yards per route run, ranking among the top receivers in the league in efficiency metrics. His 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns represented career highs across the board, finishing as the overall WR23 in PPR formats. The Alabama product demonstrated improved route running beyond just his elite speed, developing into a more complete receiver.
Jameson Williams pic.twitter.com/1WTwKEbs8m
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 3, 2025
However, Green Bay presents a nightmare scenario for Williams’ skill set. In 2024, the Packers allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, particularly excelling against deep threats like Williams.
Their secondary ranked fifth overall in pass defense efficiency, and with the addition of Micah Parsons via trade from Dallas, their pass rush has transformed into one of the league’s most fearsome units.
Offensive Line Concerns Create Timing Issues
Injuries throughout camp have decimated the Lions’ offensive line depth. They also lost one of the league’s best centers in Frank Ragnow. This leaves Detroit with significant questions up front against a Packers defense that generated a 29.6% pressure rate when rushing four or fewer players last season, which will only improve with Parsons.
This creates a problematic scenario for Williams, whose value comes primarily from vertical routes requiring developing time. Of his seven receiving touchdowns in 2024, six came from 37 yards or longer, including an 82-yard score against Chicago.
Without adequate protection, quarterback Jared Goff will be forced to make quick decisions that favor underneath targets like Amon-Ra St. Brown, who historically struggles against Green Bay but remains the safer option in compressed pocket situations.
New Coordinator Adds Uncertainty to Offensive Identity
John Morton takes over play-calling duties from the brilliant Ben Johnson, whose creative scheming helped unlock Williams’ breakout 2024 campaign. While Morton brings extensive NFL experience, transitioning away from Johnson’s system adds another layer of uncertainty to Williams’ role and target distribution.
Morton’s background suggests a more traditional approach compared to Johnson’s innovative concepts that consistently created explosive opportunities for Detroit’s receivers. This philosophical shift could particularly impact Williams, whose production heavily depends on big plays rather than consistent target volume.
Plus, the emergence of rookie Isaac TeSlaa, who caught 10 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns during the preseason, also threatens to cut into Williams’ snap share in certain packages.
Final Recommendation and Projection
Williams is undoubtedly a top-36 wide receiver option for Week 1, but fantasy managers who drafted him based on his WR23 finish from last season should temper expectations against this elite Packers defense.
MORE: Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer
He profiles as the quintessential boom-or-bust flex option, always capable of breaking off a spectacular touchdown but equally likely to disappoint without connecting on those explosive plays.
Fantasy managers should view Williams as a high-risk, high-reward play whose success hinges largely on explosive plays against a defense specifically built to prevent them.
