Fantasy owners looking to take a step toward their league championship this week need a boost from the wide receiver spot and Calvin Johnson can be that player to make a championship difference. Johnson leads all wide receivers with 12 receiving touchdowns (second in receiving TDs to TE Rob Gronkowski's 15).
Unfortunately for fantasy owners, eight of Johnson's 12 TDs came in the first four games of the season, as the dynamic receiver shows up in Oakland on Sunday with just one touchdown in his last five games. The Raiders pass defense is among the middle of the pack in the NFL but they have given up 23 touchdowns through the air which leaves them tied for 25th among the other pass defenses.
Johnson's fantasy projections remain conservative, with numberFire.com expecting 6.19 receptions for 89.90 yards with 0.67 TDs. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has become more comfortable in spreading the ball around, but Johnson should still be his key target as the Lions look to maintain the inside track on a wild card playoff spot.