Inactives update: Wicks is officially inactive, while Jayden Reed is active and Christian Watson is inactive.
The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings clash in a crucial NFC North Week 18 matchup this Sunday, December 31. Both squads will be competing with slim chances at a playoff berth. Jordan Love has worked well with a young receiving corps and one piece of it has been rookie Dontayvion Wicks.
The Virginia product has been nursing a chest injury and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed his very limited participation in practice this week, per Rob Demovsky. The Packers injury report indicated Wicks was a DNP for all three practice sessions, as he officially carries the questionable designation for Sunday’s game.
Dontayvion Wicks injury
Fantasy football analysis
Wicks has stepped up for Green Bay in the absence of Jayden Reed and Christian Watson. He has two games with 90+ receiving yards, including a six-catch, 97 yard performance against the Bucs in Week 15. Last week before exiting versus the Panthers, Wicks reeled in two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown.
However, with the impending return of Reed and his lack of practice time this week, Wicks does not seem like a good fantasy play. The Packers are very cautious when it comes to injuries, fantasy managers should lean on Wicks not suiting up come Sunday. Expect other pass-catchers on Green Bay’s roster like Romeo Doubs, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath to all see an increase in targets.
Betting analysis
The Packers are -105 on the moneyline and +1 on the spread per, Draftkings Sportsbook. In what is a crucial game for both teams and their slim playoff chances, the O/U is set at 43.5. Last week the Packers run game was spearheaded by Aaron Jones and Reed coming back helps boost the receiving corps. This game could very well go over the point total.