The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett expects the Detroit Lions to attack defenses more deep down the field in 2025 under new offensive coordinator John Morton, which should primarily benefit big-play wide receiver Jameson Williams. The 24-year-old pass-catcher had his fifth-year option picked up for the 2026 season after breaking out in 2024 in his third year in the league to the tune of 58 receptions, 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 targets over 15 regular-season games (11 starts), where were career-highs across the board after injuries and a suspension limited him in 2022 and 2023. Williams' 2024 numbers were good enough to make his the WR22 in point-per-reception formats, but he's still a bit of a boom/bust fantasy option in a Lions offense with lots of playmakers. He will need to be efficient with his touches, but Williams showed last year he's a home run threat every time he touches the football.
May 23, 2025 11:13 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams notched his first 1,000-yard campaign in 2024, snagging 58 passes for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. The former No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft looked to be headed toward a "bust" label after his first two seasons in the league, but his production last year was promising, and new Lions offensive coordinator John Morton expects a "huge" season from the speedster in 2025. While Williams is likely to continue to be a boom-or-bust player in a crowded offense, he has reportedly been great in meetings and has picked up his attention to detail. The 24-year-old finished as the overall WR19 in half-PPR formats a season ago and delivered seven top-24 weekly finishes. According to ESPN, he is being selected as the WR32 in early fantasy football drafts, so he could be a tremendous value pick if Morton's forecast comes to fruition.
May 13, 2025 3:06 PM EST
The Detroit Lions exercised wide receiver Jameson Williams' fifth-year option for the 2026 season on Friday, a source tells ESPN's Field Yates. This was a no-brainer move for the Lions after Williams broke out with his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024. The 24-year-old former first-rounder out of Ohio State is projected to make $15.49 million in 2026 on his fifth-year option. Williams played in only 18 games (10 starts) in his first two years in the NFL due to recovery from a torn ACL in his final year in college and a suspension for gambling last year. In 15 games (11 starts) during the regular season a year ago, he caught 58 of 91 targets for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns. He also added 11 carries for 61 yards and a TD. Williams has big-play ability every time he touches the ball, but his lack of volume in a loaded Detroit offense is worrisome and makes him a boom-or-bust fantasy commodity.
Apr 25, 2025 12:03 PM EST
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the team never entertained a trade of wide receiver Jameson Williams during the first round of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night. Not only did Detroit not trade the 24-year-old Ohio State alum, but they stayed in the No. 28 overall spot in the first round on Thursday and took defensive tackle Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State. Williams is heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, but the Lions are expected to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2026 season by the deadline on May 1. In his third year in the NFL, Williams broke out to the tune of a 58-1,001-7 line on 58 receptions in 15 regular-season games (11 starts). It could be tough for the former first-rounder to top that production in 2025 with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson gone, making Williams a boom/bust fantasy target as a home run threat whenever he touches the football.
Apr 25, 2025 12:27 AM EST
According to Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes, the team expects to exercise wide receiver Jameson Williams' fifth-year option. "We're, you know, most likely gonna be doing that," said the Lions' GM. Holmes also noted that the 24-year-old is "still scratching the surface" and "has more in him." Williams finally put it all together last season, notching 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns over 58 receptions, elevating his play to his first-round price. The Alabama product was a superb deep threat for the Lions last season, adding an extra element to its offense. If Holmes' shining endorsement is genuine, then it's possible that Williams has another gear and could level up again if he works on his craft. The speedster is currently RotoBaller's WR49 in ADP (114 overall) but finished last season as the PPR WR22.
Mar 31, 2025 3:32 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will not face discipline from the NFL for carrying an unlicensed gun, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The 23-year-old avoided criminal charges after a gun was discovered by police during a traffic stop for speeding. Williams possessed a gun without a concealed pistol license to carry but later obtained one. Williams has been suspended by the NFL in the past for gambling, but he will not face any suspension for this incident. Williams, a former first-round pick, posted career highs in receptions (58), receiving yards (1,001), and receiving touchdowns (seven) in 2024.
Feb 19, 2025 2:32 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught just one of his four targets for 19 receiving yards during Saturday's Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. However, he salvaged his fantasy performance with a 61-yard rushing touchdown on a trick play. Unfortunately, not all of Williams' trickery resulted in successful plays. He also attempted a pass in the contest and was ultimately intercepted. All in all, the speedy receiver's fantasy value was salvaged by the trick-play touchdown, which is a reflection of the explosiveness he showed during the season. He has a high ceiling and low floor in fantasy football, making him an appealing WR3/FLEX option with weekly WR1 upside. He actually came close to notching a second big touchdown on Saturday, but he wasn't quite able to haul in an overthrown pass from Jared Goff. Williams should remain the Lions' No. 2 receiver alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2025.
Jan 19, 2025 12:19 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is a big-play threat who remains a solid fantasy option for Saturday's playoff game against the Washington Commanders. Williams spent this season occupying the No. 2 receiver slot on the depth chart behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, but that didn't stop him from breaking out for 58 catches, 1,001 yards, and seven touchdowns through 15 games. He was the overall WR19 in half-PPR leagues during the 2024 season, though his low floor and high ceiling often meant that he was finishing inside the top 10 receivers or outside the top 25. This weekend, he'll get a chance to make his playoff presence felt against a Commanders defense that ranks near the middle of the league in terms of production allowed to opposing receivers. They've fared equally well against slot and perimeter receivers, so the fact that Williams is capable of playing both roles doesn't give him much of an edge this weekend. Instead, he'll simply have to use his game-changing speed and athleticism to dismantle a solid Washington secondary. He has shown that he can be matchup-proof at times in the past, so managers shouldn't be surprised if he finishes the Divisional Round as a top-six fantasy receiver. His upside makes him an intriguing option for fantasy managers and bettors.
Jan 17, 2025 1:39 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught six of his eight targets for 34 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The former Ohio State star saw his three-game touchdown streak come to an end in the season finale, but he still salvaged his showing with a half-dozen receptions and modest yardage. Williams wraps up his second pro season with 58 catches, 1,001 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. Although the Lions' offense places a lot of emphasis on Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, players like Williams should be celebrated as flashy WR3/FLEX options in most leagues. He will generate plenty of interest in the early to middle rounds of 2025 fantasy drafts.
Jan 6, 2025 1:18 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has finally been a reliable fantasy option for managers after years of injuries and suspension. While he missed two games this season, he has still posted career-highs in catches (52), yards (967), and touchdowns (seven). The Lions are hoping to secure the top spot in the NFC heading toward the postseason when Detroit meets the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. The Lions offense begins and ends with the contributions of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. While that was also the case for David Montgomery (knee), he could miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. With that in mind, fantasy managers can continue to consider Williams a starting option in all formats, considering he could continue to see more involvement on Sunday night.
Jan 3, 2025 8:48 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught five of his eight targets for 77 yards and two total touchdowns during Monday's Week 17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. He also rushed twice for negative two yards. Williams' first touchdown came on a three-yard rush, and his second came on a trick play that involved a lateral from Amon-Ra St. Brown. The third-year receiver is now the overall WR5 in PPR leagues since Week 11, establishing himself as one of the best No. 2 wideouts in an NFL offense. He should continue to be deployed as a high-end WR2 in fantasy football ahead of next week's pivotal battle with the Minnesota Vikings. With the NFC's No. 1 seed on the line, Williams should remain very heavily involved.
Dec 31, 2024 12:22 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will square off with the San Francisco 49ers in a difficult matchup this Monday night. The Alabama product has been a bit all or nothing in 2024 but vastly improved from his prior two seasons in the pros. He's currently third-best in the league, with a ludicrous 18.94 yards per reception. Volume and consistency have been Williams' bugaboos this season, but he's been better lately -- commanding seven or more targets and five receptions in four of five contests. He'll line up against a staunch 49ers defensive unit in Week 17 that's tied for the fewest fantasy points allowed per game to wideouts (29.3). Fantasy managers could be displeased with his performance if the former first-round pick doesn't break free for a long score in the Monday night clash. Still, Williams should be involved as the passing attack's third option at worst, and this meeting projects with a favorable 50.5-point over/under. He comes in at RotoBaller's PPR WR29 in this week's ranks.
Dec 27, 2024 9:21 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams got loose for an 82-yard touchdown reception and lit up the stat sheet with five catches for 143 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Week 16 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears. He did most of his damage on one play which he can do with his elite speed but he rewarded fantasy managers who took a chance on him in playoff matchups. Williams got behind the Chicago defense, hauled in the long pass from Jared Goff, and then raced the rest of the way for a touchdown. He saw seven targets in this game and made the most of them. With the healthy target total and his breakaway potential, Williams is looking like a solid option moving forward.
Dec 22, 2024 6:07 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has a difficult matchup in Week 16 at the Chicago Bears and makes for a risky play in the fantasy playoffs. The Bears defense allows the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and Williams was held to five catches for 28 yards when the teams played in Detroit in Week 13. The speedy wide receiver has the big-play ability to make one play account for a large chunk of a productive day. Against a good pass defense with other options in the Lions' passing offense like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tim Patrick, and Sam LaPorta, Williams could be a bit overlooked in this game. Look for other more steady options to fill in the receiver spots for fantasy playoff lineups.
Dec 21, 2024 8:55 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams found the end zone for the first time since Week 11 despite being fourth on the team in targets. During the 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Williams finished the game with 37 yards and a touchdown on three receptions and five targets. The former 12th-overall pick now has accrued 42 receptions for 747 yards and five touchdowns with an average of 62.3 yards per game. That slots him in as the WR30 in half-PPR leagues. Williams and company will set their sights on a divisional matchup in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears.
Dec 16, 2024 9:57 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams saw eight targets in his last game against the Green Bay Packers which were his most targets since Week 2 of this season. He will look to continue his involvement in the passing game with another good performance in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. Williams has been getting more involved in the Lions passing attack each week since his suspension in Weeks 8 and 9. The activity of Williams in the passing game bodes well for his fantasy outlook, especially with his big-play ability. One big play can turn Williams's fantasy day into a successful one. The Bills have an above-average pass defense so it won't be an easy matchup but Williams lines up as a high-upside play at the wide receiver position in fantasy.
Dec 14, 2024 9:33 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught five of his eight targets for 80 yards in a 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night in Week 14. Williams led the Lions in receiving yards, showing his big-play potential in Detroit's high-powered offense. Despite catching five passes in each of his last three games, Williams has not found the end zone during this stretch, slightly capping his fantasy value. His output has been unpredictable at times this season, but his ability to produce big-yardage plays makes him a WR3 with upside for Week 15 as Detroit hosts the Buffalo Bills.
Dec 6, 2024 10:47 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams aims to bounce back from a quiet Thanksgiving performance as Detroit hosts the Packers in Week 14. Despite seven targets against Chicago, Williams managed only 28 yards on five catches, marking just his third game this season with fewer than 50 yards. However, his consistent involvement in the passing game seeing six or more targets in three consecutive weeks is a positive sign for fantasy managers. Additionally, Williams contributed 18 yards on two rushing attempts, showcasing his versatility. The Packers' defense has been stingy against wide receivers, allowing the eighth-fewest receptions and seventh-fewest receiving yards per game. However, Williams' growing role in Detroit's high-powered offense could provide him with opportunities to shine in this crucial NFC North battle.
Dec 4, 2024 8:45 PM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught five passes for 28 yards and added two rushing attempts for 18 yards in the Lions' 23-20 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 13. Despite being involved in both the passing and rushing game, Williams was unable to deliver a strong fantasy performance, marking just the third time this season he failed to reach double-digit fantasy points. He will aim to bounce back in a divisional matchup when Detroit hosts the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 14.
Nov 29, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams aims to build on his recent performance as the Lions host the Chicago Bears in Week 13. In the Lions' 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Williams led the team with 64 receiving yards on five catches, surpassing Amon-Ra St. Brown's six receptions for 62 yards. Notably, Williams has recorded a reception of 20 or more yards in eight of nine games this season, highlighting his big-play capability. The Bears' defense has been susceptible to deep passes, allowing the fifth-most receptions of 40+ yards per game. This vulnerability aligns well with Williams' skill set, making him a potential breakout candidate in this matchup. Fantasy managers should consider Williams a high-upside flex option for Week 13.
Nov 27, 2024 5:53 PM EST
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