Monday open thread: Who will be the key player for Lions vs. Giants?

NFL games are not always about who is the better overall team, but instead, how individuals match up against their opponent’s counterpart. A left tackle that continually gets beat by a defensive end can change the outcome of a game. As can a shutdown cornerback blanketing a star wide receiver.

Monday night’s game between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants is no different. Given that the teams are perceived to be close in talent, one individual performance could end up being the difference between a win and loss.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Detroit Lions player do you think will be the key against the New York Giants.

My answer: Kenny Golladay.

It may seem like I’m riding the rookie’s hype train after this two-touchdown debut—and maybe I am—but I think this game presents a unique opportunity for Golladay to take advantage of the Giants’ one weakness on defense: cornerback depth.

Janoris Jenkins has been downgraded to questionable, putting his availability in doubt for Week 2, but even if he can go, Golladay has a favorable matchup against struggling cornerback Eli Apple. Last year, the first-round cornerback struggled, allowing a passer rating of 97.2 according to Pro Football Focus. Last week, he struggled even more, allowing 10 receptions on 12 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown.

Golladay is going to go through some rookie struggles, and he did in the season opener before his amazing finish, but I think this is another week to ride the Kenny Golladay Hype Train.

Your turn.