The Arizona Cardinals are going to put up points on Sunday, probably a lot of points. The Lions may have a nice response as well, although the first two weeks were not that impressive for the Detroit offense. Either way, this could be a good contest from a fantasy perspective, but determining the beneficiaries may be a challenge.
Once again, the main Detroit options find themselves right on the fringe. Matthew Stafford (QB14), Marvin Jones (WR33), and T.J. Hockenson (TE11) seem like reasonable starts in a game where the Lions are likely to need to pass the ball. Kenny Golladay is an easy start if he is healthy, but as usual, the running backs are a little trickier.
The other sideline is a bit more feast or famine. Kyler Murray (QB2), Kenyan Drake (RB10), and DeAndre Hopkins (WR1) are all elite options—unfortunately for Lions fans—and they will obviously be in all fantasy lineups this weekend. It is possible, likely even, that one of Chase Edmonds (RB43), Christian Kirk (WR49), or Larry Fitzgerald (WR55) is usable, but it will be tough to determine who.
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions-Cardinals players will boom and bust in fantasy this week?
My answer: D’Andre Swift has only eight carries this year, but his 10 targets have helped him stay involved. He has totaled 95 all-purpose yards in his first two games, and had he not suffered that unfortunate drop against the Bears, he would find himself within the top 24 at the position. With the Lions likely to be playing from behind on Sunday, the rookie could find himself as a decent part of the passing game again.
Meanwhile, more passes means fewer rushes to go around. Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson have been sharing the work already, and this week’s contest is likely to continue that headache. Even a clear lead back is a tough start when a team was playing from behind, and using a committee back is even riskier.