Football is back! The Arizona Cardinals head to Detroit to face the Lions in a matchup of potent high-scoring offenses. Expect a lot of passing in this one. Let’s take a look at the most relevant fantasy players from each team…
Carson Palmer, QB
Detroit allowed the fifth most points to QBs last year, and Palmer will never be healthier than the start of the season. He could be a borderline QB1 play against the Lions and looks worth a spot start if you’re missing Luck or Winston.
David Johnson, RB
Johnson is a stud, but don’t be upset if he doesn’t find the endzone this week. The Lions only gave up five rushing TDs last year, second fewest in the league. Hopefully he makes up the points in the air, and it’s not like you’re going to bench him.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR
Detroit was worst in the league against slot receivers and tight ends last season, and Fitzgerald chews defenses up in those underneath routes. He could be a top five WR this week and looks like a great DFS play.
John Brown, WR
Brown is a speedy sleeper but is still competing with Jaron Brown and J.J. Nelson for targets and could draw Detroit’s top corner. He’s a low end flex option until we know more.
Jermaine Gresham, TE
The Lions allowed 10 touchdowns to tight ends in 2016, third most of any team, but Gresham only has three the last two seasons combined and only gets a catch or two a game. An all-or-nothing TD dart.
Matthew Stafford, QB
Stafford was drafted as a borderline starter, and that’s what he is this week. Arizona is the sort of high-risk defense that could really stymie the Jim Bob Cooter attack, and Stafford could be under pass rush all game long.
Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick, RBs
No team allowed fewer points to opposing RBs last year than Arizona, including an NFL-low 24 receiving yards per game to RBs. Nobody knows which Detroit RB will get touches, if any, and you best wait to find out.
Golden Tate, WR
Tate is a pretty similar receiver to a guy that burned Arizona twice last year, Jeremy Kerley. Kerley had 15 catches, 173 yards, and 2 TDs in two games against this team. Tate should see plenty of targets and could be a WR1 in PPR leagues this week.
Marvin Jones, WR
Arizona struggled against receivers last year, particularly speedy ones that could beat them deep. Jones had a huge start last season and could get things moving in the right direction again here.
Eric Ebron, TE
Ebron missed a lot of the preseason with injury, and Arizona allowed the fewest points to tight ends last season. Stay away.
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