Week 1 vs. New York Jets
Even though he caught just 61 passes last season, Marvin Jones made the most of his grabs, leading the team with over 1,100 yards and nine TDs. While his performance took a hit when Kenny Golladay was healthy, Jones still managed to post three 100-yard games and was targeted 108 times in 2017. Even with Golladay part of the Detroit passing attack in the opener, Jones makes for a WR2 play.
Fantasy Upside
In his second season with the Lions, Marvin Jones snagged 61 passes for a career-high 1,101 yards. He also posted a career-high in targets (108) that helped catapult him to three 100-yard games and nine TDs. He has been thrown to at least 100 times in three consecutive years. Jones has missed only one game since he arrived in Detroit.
Fantasy Downside
For the past couple of seasons, it’s mainly been Jones and Golden Tate getting the WR looks from Matthew Stafford; however, now that Kenny Golladay is healthy, look for Stafford to spread the ball around to all three. Eight times last year Jones was limited to three or fewer receptions and on five occasions he failed to post at least 50 yards.
Bottom Line
Even with the signing of LeGarrette Blount and the early-round drafting of Kerryon Johnson, the success of the Lions offense will come from the passing game. Matthew Stafford puts the ball in the air over 500 times per season, so there should be enough looks to keep his targets happy; but, Jones’ numbers did take a dip when Golladay was able to play. Jones led the team in TDs last season and is line for another solid campaign, making him a top-20 fantasy WR.
Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers
With Matthew Stafford throwing for just over 200 yards in the loss to the Bengals last Sunday, Marvin Jones was targeted 5 times, resulting in 3 catches for 50 yards. He has registered exactly 3 receptions in three straight games and has not been in the end zone in four consecutive contests. Jones had a huge Monday night at Green Bay in November, grabbing 7 passes for 107 yards and 2 TDs. He should be considered a WR3/FLEX play in the season finale.
Week 16 at Cincinnati Bengals
While he only caught 3 passes against the Bears last Saturday, Marvin Jones made the most of his grabs, as he registered 85 yards, including a 58-yard reception. Even though he hasn’t scored in three straight games, the longest drought of the season, Jones is averaging over 85 yards over the past five weeks. Cincinnati’s pass defense is banged up, so look for Matthew Stafford to find the weaknesses, making Jones a WR2 option.
Week 15 vs. Chicago Bears
Even though Matthew Stafford threw the ball 44 times last week at Tampa, Marvin Jones was targeted only 4 times. He made the most of his looks, however, grabbing 3 passes for 64 yards, but was held out of the end zone for the second straight contest. Jones leads the Lions with three 100-yard games and 8 TDs. At Chicago last month, he caught 4 passes for 90 yards and a score. While he’ll again be facing a good Bears pass defense, Jones should be part of your starting lineup.
Week 14 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even against a solid Ravens defense last Sunday, Marvin Jones continued to remain hot. On 8 targets, he finished the contest with 4 catches for a team-leading 90 yards. While he was held out of the end zone, Jones continues to put up solid numbers, with at least 85 yards in seven of the past eight games, scoring six times during that timeframe. Matthew Stafford has a bruised hand but will be the Lions QB this week against a bad Bucs pass defense, so make sure Jones remains in your starting lineup.
Week 13 at Baltimore Ravens
In the loss to the Vikings on Thanksgiving, Marvin Jones posted another strong performance. On a team-leading 9 targets, he led the Lions with 6 grabs for 109 yards and 2 TDs. In the past six contests, Jones has been the Lions' best WR, as he’s been over the century mark three times and scored six times. He put up big numbers against a solid Minnesota defense last week and has another test at Baltimore on Sunday, facing Jimmy Smith and the Ravens' No. 2 rated pass defense. Jones is playing too well to even consider leaving him on your bench, however.
Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings
In Chicago last Sunday, Marvin Jones scored his team-leading sixth TD of the season, part of a 4-catch, 85-yard afternoon. In the past five games, Jones has posted 4 scores and has had at least 85 yards in all but one of those contests. Despite the Vikings limiting him to 2 grabs for 42 yards in their first meeting this year, Jones has been on too much of a role lately for you to put him on your bench, even against a stout defense.
Week 11 at Chicago Bears
After posting back-to-back 100-yard games, Marvin Jones finished last week’s game versus the Browns with just 2 targets and a 22-yard grab. Matthew Stafford threw for 3 TDs in the win, but Jones was held out of the end zone after scoring three times the previous three contests. After registering 25 receptions the previous four contests, Jones was not a focal point of the offense and will now also be competing with Kenny Golladay for looks. Chicago’s defense is No. 10 against the pass, so consider Jones a WR3/flex option on the road.
Week 10 vs. Cleveland Browns
For the second straight game, Marvin Jones went over the century mark. Last week at the Packers, he was targeted a team-high 11 times, leading to 7 grabs for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was just 4 yards shy of a 100-yard game at New Orleans in mid-October or it would be three straight. Matthew Stafford has been on fire lately as the Lions offense has been moving the ball at will through the air the past three contests. The Browns are No. 17 versus the pass, so keep on riding Jones.
