Lions at Cardinals
Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 8th at 4:25 pm EST
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Betting Odds: TB -2, 50.00 Total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Sleeper: KeeSean Johnson
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
- Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford had a season to forget for the Detroit Lions. Injuries plagued both himself and the rest of his team, which led to Stafford to posting his lowest yardage total in 9 years. He enters 2019 under newly hired offensive coordinator Darren Bevell who brings with him a new – well, you can call it old – offensive philosophy. He wants to run the ball and run the ball often. That does not bode well for Stafford’s fantasy outlook. The Lions look to be a slow pace offense that is committed to running the ball. This week’s game against the Cardinals will be one of Stafford’s easiest matchups of the year, but I would still avoid him this week. The Cardinals have a very weak run defense, so the Lions should be able to take advantage. Stafford could have a good game against the decimated Cardinals secondary, but I would go elsewhere. It is week 1 and you should have better options.
Running Backs
- Kerryon Johnson
- C.J. Anderson
- Ty Johnson
Kerryon Johnson is in a smash spot against the Cardinals this week. The Cardinals defense is atrocious, particularly on the defensive line. The teams’ depth has taken a hit and they will likely be forced to start a rookie week one. The Lions offense wants to run the ball and they should have no issue this week. I expect to see Kerryon Johnson get upwards of 15 carries, with high efficiency. The only concern with Johnson would be his usage, but regardless is a low-end RB1 for week 1. C.J. Anderson is a tough player to predict. We know the Lions want to use him and paid him as such, but we cannot be certain how much he will touch the ball. This is a great matchup for him but I would him keep him on the bench until we get more clarity. Similarly to Anderson, rookie Ty Johnson should also have a role in the offense, albeit on passing downs. Slated to play the Theo Riddick role, Johnson could become fantasy relevant. For week 1, I would hold back on playing him as the Lions project to be playing with the lead and Johnson shouldn’t see many touches.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Kenny Golladay
- Marvin Jones Jr.
- Danny Amendola
- T.J. Hockenson
What is usually a nightmare matchup for #1 receivers is no more. Cardinals All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson is suspended for the first 6 games of the season and behind him, the Cardinals don’t have much more. The top cornerback on the roster is rookie 2nd rounder, Byron Murphy, who is a below level athlete and has been mediocre over the preseason. Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay have strong chances of having great games. The only factor working against them this week is their offense. They are determined to run the ball, so the volume could be an issue. The pair may see such low pass volume that only one will be able to reach their ceiling. Even with the capped passing volume I still expect to see both get high-value looks and capitalize on the great matchup. I would start both with confidence, as WR2/high-end flexes. Danny Amendola also finds himself in a good matchup against whichever bottom tier corner the Cardinals put in the slot. There is a chance that it is Murphy as that is where his best position is, but the Cardinals may put him outside to try and combat the Lions combo of flankers. Amendola has a strong matchup but is faced with tough target competition. He may be able to exploit the Cardinals down the middle of the field, but should only be started as a last resort flex. Rookie TEs are known for their slow starts given the difficulty of the position. T.J. Hockenson will likely follow suit. The Lions have shown that he will be used in the passing game but also want him to be a big part of their run blocking. I would not expect much from Hockenson in week 1, so look elsewhere if you can.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
- Kyler Murray
The rookie with all the buzz this offseason is none other than Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. Murray has the tools to become one of fantasy’s top players at the QB position. Murray will attack defenses through the ground and the air this season. He does start the season with a quietly difficult matchup. In 2018, the Lions did quite well against rushing QBs and have made moves in the offseason to bolster their defense. The Lions’ main strength is their defensive line and they will be going against a Cardinals offensive line that ranks in the bottom 5. Murray may have a capped upside, but you drafted him to start him. I would temper expectations but still, expect to see a decent debut for the rookie.
Running Backs
- David Johnson
- Chase Edmonds
Fantasy owners have been dying to see the David Johnson of old and are expecting it this season. In a new air-raid offense Johnson should be in line for a more efficient season than what we saw in 2018. Week 1 projects to be a difficult matchup for Johnson to start the season. The Lions have a stellar defensive line headed by notorious run-stuffer Damien “Snacks” Harrison. He will make Johnson’s Sunday very difficult. Johnson should still, of course, be started as an RB1 because of the upside he poses as a receiver and runner. Chase Edmonds is one of the more elite fantasy handcuffs and will spell Johnson in Sunday’s game but does not have much, if any, fantasy relevance.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Christian Kirk
- Michael Crabtree
- KeeSean Johnson
- Andy Isabella
- Maxx Williams
- Charles Clay
Larry Fitzgerald enters his 16th without the clear cut role that he has had in past years. He faces more target competition than past years and is in an offensive system like none that he has ever been in before. He is playing with his 2nd rookie QB in 2 years. Fitzgerald can be expected to lead the team in targets again but not by the margin that he previously has. The Lions have a serviceable secondary and could be a challenge for the aging WR. They have Darius Slay on the outside and recently acquired Justin Coleman on the inside. It is tough to project Fitzgerald for this week, so I currently view him as a WR4 or a low-end flex. Christian Kirk has gotten all the buzz this offseason but like Fitzgerald, his role is not clear. He could very well lead the team in targets or cede most of his targets to Fitzgerald, similarly to 2018. I do like his upside more than Fitzgerald because of his ability to stretch the field. He should be played as a solid WR3 or flex. Beyond Kirk and Fitzgerald, it is even more difficult to breakdown the target distribution between the rest of the WRs. I did pick Keesean Johnson as my sleeper for this game. He has been Murray’s favorite target in camp and preseason and is slated to be used heavily week one. The Cardinals may find themselves playing catch-up and Johnson should find himself on the receiving end of a handful of targets. Michael Crabtree will be starting for the Cardinals but should not be anywhere near your lineups. He is just getting into the offense and seemed to be pretty washed up last year and until he proves otherwise keep him on waivers. The Cardinals only kept two tight ends on their active roster and I can’t imagine they plan on using them for anything but blocking, so it is another situation to avoid.
– Matthew Perri (@MattPerri91)