Predicting the Detroit Lions starting offense for Week 18 matchup vs. Vikings
On Sunday at 1:15 p.m. ET, the Detroit Lions will look to keep their hopes of improving their playoff seed alive when they host the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. With a win, the Lions would move to 12-5 on the season, and if both the Cowboys and Eagles lose (they both play at 4:25 p.m. ET), the Lions would earn the No. 2 seed. For the Lions to secure a win, the offense is going to have to do their thing. Letโs take a look at what the starting offense should look like on Sunday against the Vikings.

Who will be on the Detroit Lionsโ Starting Offense?
- QB: Jared Goff
- RB: David Montgomery
- WRs: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond
- TE: Sam LaPorta
- OL: Taylor Decker (LT), Jonah Jackson (LG), Frank Ragnow (C), Graham Glasgow (RG), Penei Sewell (RT)
What is New?
As you can see above, Kalif Raymond has been slotted in as a starting wide receiver, as Jameson Williams has already been ruled OUT with an injured ankle. Other than that, the rest of the offense is as healthy as they can be at this point of the season. That said, letโs hope that they all remain healthy heading into the NFL Playoffs.

TL;DR (too long didnโt read)
- Playoff Seeding at Stake: The Detroit Lions, currently at 11-5, are set to face the Minnesota Vikings with significant playoff implications. A win could potentially propel them to the No. 2 seed in the NFC, provided the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both lose their later games.
- Offensive Lineup: The Lionsโ starting offense will feature Jared Goff at quarterback, David Montgomery as running back, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Kalif Raymond (filling in for the injured Jameson Williams), tight end Sam LaPorta, and an offensive line comprising Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, and Penei Sewell.
- Health and Readiness: Apart from the absence of Jameson Williams due to an ankle injury, the Lionsโ offensive lineup is robust and in good health. This strong lineup underscores the teamโs preparedness for this crucial game and the upcoming NFL Playoffs.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lionsโ last regular-season game is a critical one, with their playoff seeding hanging in the balance. The teamโs well-rounded and mostly healthy offense, led by Jared Goff and supported by a solid receiving corps and offensive line, positions them strongly against the Vikings. As the Lions aim for a win to improve their playoff standing, maintaining the health and form of their key players will be paramount. Fans and the team alike will be closely watching the outcomes of the Cowboysโ and Eaglesโ games, as these will directly affect the Lionsโ playoff-seeding prospects.