Detroit Lions

Lions at Packers: 5 best fantasy options

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

Which players must you get in your fantasy football lineup in this Week 3 matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions?

The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will face off in an important Week 3 NFC North battle. Both teams enter this game with a record of 1-1, and need a win to get back on track. While the season is early, the loser here will fall even further behind the first place Minnesota Vikings.

This is undoubtedly an interesting and important matchup in real football terms. However, we are going to take a look at the fantasy football side of things.

These two teams both have exciting offensive units and suspect defenses. There is certainly potential for a ton of fantasy impact in this game.

Let’s take a look at the best fantasy options for this matchup between the Packers and Lions, ranked 5-1.

5. Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions

Theo Riddick has become an extremely part of the Lions’ offense this season. He has been effective on the ground, piling up 82 yards on 18 carries (4.6 YPC average) through two games. On top of that, Riddick continues to be an extremely capable receiver out of the backfield.

Riddick caught 80 passes for the Lions last season, becoming one of the premier receiving backs in the NFL. He has continued that success this season, bringing in nine receptions for 91 yards through the first two games.

He is an extremely talented back who can an impact in the Lions’ offense both as a runner and a receiver. With Ameer Abdullah out of the Lions’ lineup, Riddick will also likely take a larger role in the offense.

Riddick is unlikely to be a 20 carries a game back, but I would be surprised if he does not see more work. His touches as a receiver are not going anywhere and it would be fair to expect a larger workload on the ground.

The Packers’ defense has played well through the first two weeks, but their situation at inside linebacker is less than ideal. I think Riddick will be able to exploit the Packers’ linebackers in the passing game and will get more touches than usual on the ground.

He is a safe play on Sunday, who also brings some nice upside to the table. Also, Riddick is an even better play in PPR leagues.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

4. Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers

Eddie Lacy has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy owners so far this season. He has rushed for 111 yards through two games and has yet to reach the end zone. That being said, his 4.3 yards per carry average is some thing to build on.

Lacy is a big and powerful back who shows underrated lateral quickness. He is a major part of the Packers’ offense, and they can light up the scoreboard as well as anyone in the league.

Make no mistake about it, Eddie Lacy has big-time upside no matter the matchup. That being said, I do not particularly love him this week.

The Lions’ defense is solid against the run, while not being great against the pass. I strongly believe that the Packers will look to attack the Lions’ defense using Aaron Rodgers and their passing attack.

However, they will have to run the ball to keep the defense honest. Lacy will get opportunities to produce in this game and is always a threat in the red zone.

Lacy’s upside is a bit limited this week, but he is a must-start at the running back position. Injuries have killed the position this year and it is not easy to find a full-time back like Lacy to stick into your lineup.

He may need a touchdown to be a great start, but do not hesitate to get Lacy in your lineup. He is one of the few running backs who has guaranteed opportunity.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

In a typical fantasy league, I personally do not value the quarterback position highly. There are so many passers in the NFL who can put up strong production that I do not believe in spending major assets on the position.

That being said, guys like Aaron Rodgers can be different. Rodgers has not been great this season, completing 57 percent of his passes for only 412 yards and three touchdowns. That being said, he is still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL.

Rodgers is a big-time player who will undoubtedly get on track and become a real life and fantasy star. Personally, I think that starts this week.

The Lions’ defense was dominated by Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 and even struggled against Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans’ less than stellar passing attack. They can create some pressure up front, but the secondary can be attacked on the edges.

I expect the Packers to look to move the ball through the air early and often in this game, with Rodgers getting his season back on track. I still believe that you can find solid options throughout the league at QB each week, but Rodgers is one of the best options here in Week 3.

Do not panic. Get Aaron Rodgers into your fantasy football lineup.

Aug 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) celebrates after a catch during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

2. Marvin Jones, WR, Detroit Lions

Through two weeks, Marvin Jones appears to be the clear number one target in the Lions’ passing attack. While he has yet to reach the end zone, he leads the Lions with 21 targets which he has turned into 12 receptions for 203 yards. Those 203 receiving yards are the eighth most in the entire NFL.

Matthew Stafford is leading an explosive passing attack and Jones is his number one option. Golden Tate is still a solid option for the Lions, but his nine receptions for 54 yards on the season leaves plenty to be desired.

Jones has always been an extremely talented receiver, but he is taking his game to the next level this season. Jones is becoming a big-time threat for the Lions, being able to make plays in the short, intermediate and deep passing game.

Packers’ cornerback Sam Shields will miss this game against the Lions with a concussion. Shields is Green Bay’s number one option at the position and they will undoubtedly miss him. Without Shields, an already exploitable Packers’ secondary is significantly worse.

The Lions would be wise to attack the Packers’ defense through the air in this one, and Jones is sure to be a major part of that. Stafford will undoubtedly spread the wealth a bit, but Jones is the number one option.

In a great matchup with big-time opportunity, Marvin Jones is an absolute must start this week.

Sep 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers

As I mentioned when profiling Rodgers, I believe that the Packers will look to attack the Lions’ defense through the air in this game. Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and tight end Jared Cook will also undoubtedly be involved, but I expect Rodgers to look Jordy Nelson’s way a ton.

Nelson is still working back from a devastating knee injury suffered last season. That being said, Nelson has produced well through the first two games. His 11 receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns makes Nelson a top-notch fantasy receiver through the first two weeks.

He looks good on the field, still showing the ability to beat the defense deep. The Lions’ secondary leaves plenty to be desired, and I think Nelson could be the one to take full advantage.

Nelson and Rodgers have an incredible rapport, and with the Packers’ quarterback struggling a bit, I think he is going to start looking for his Nelson’s friendly face more often. These two can be the best QB/WR duo in the NFL, and have a chance for a massive day against the Lions.

Teams will not be able to keep the Packers’ passing attack down for much longer. With massive upside and a relatively safe floor, Jordy Nelson is an absolute must start in Week 3 of the fantasy football season.