Expectations are relatively low for the Lions this season, but they should still be competitive as long as Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. And if he does, expect strong seasons from Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr.
Specifically in Week 1, Jones is the Lions player you should start in daily fantasy football on DraftKings.
He’s relatively cheap at only $5,500, checking in $700 under Golladay. Jones averaged more fantasy points per week than just about every receiver near his price range, except for DeVante Parker ($6,000) and Julian Edelman ($6,000).
Jones has performed well in eight career games against the Bears, too. Though he only has two touchdowns, he averages 3.5 catches and 61.3 yards per game against them. In their two meetings last year, Jones caught eight passes for 114 yards and a touchdown against the Bears.
Outside of Kyle Fuller, who will likely draw Golladay in coverage, the Bears aren’t exactly rich with talent at cornerback. Jones could match up with rookie Jaylon Johnson or Buster Skrine, both of whom would be favorable coverage assignments for Jones.
With Stafford fully healthy and ready to take shots downfield, Jones should get back to the way he played in 2017 when he averaged a league-high 18.0 yards per catch and topped 1,100 yards receiving for the year. This is a good matchup for the veteran receiver, assuming Golladay draws Fuller in coverage.