5 bold Packers predictions for Week 13 matchup vs. Chiefs

Christian Watson scores two touchdowns

We've been here before. The first half of Christian Watson's rookie season couldn't have gone much worse. He battled injuries and struggled for consistency. Then everything changed with one positive performance. Once Watson got healthy and regained his confidence, he never looked back, posting 584 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in the final eight games.

Are we seeing something similar again? Watson battled injuries early in the season but is now healthy. Confidence was an issue, too, but he has caught touchdown passes in the previous two weeks and is coming off his best performance of the season.

Without Luke Musgrave, the Packers regularly used Watson in the slot against the Detroit Lions, and he was the focal point of the passing game, catching five of seven targets for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Perhaps the biggest sign of Watson's improved confidence is his success on contested catches. According to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, Watson began the season 0-for-8 on contested catches but is 5-for-8 since, making all three against the Lions.

Kruse noted that Watson was 9-for-12 on contested catches last season. He's getting back to that level.

Musgrave's absence increases the need for Watson to play inside and get targets on short and intermediate routes, not just on deep shots. He was a touchdown machine in the second half of last season, and Jordan Love may lean on him in the red zone again this week.