Week 11 vs. Jacksonville
In the four games leading up to the bye week, Golden Tate has turned his season around. Two weeks ago at Minnesota, he caught a season-high 11 passes for 79 yards and the game-winning TD in OT. After not doing much the first month of the season, Golden has reestablished his rapport with Matthew Stafford and can again safely be trusted in your fantasy lineup. Go ahead and start Tate, even against a Jaguars defense that allows just 204 passing yards per game.
Week 9 at Minnesota
For the third straight week, Golden Tate posted a decent fantasy week. Last week in Houston, he led the Detroit WRs with nine target that went for seven catches and 42 yards. The Lions were behind for most of the contest, so a lot of Matthew Stafford’s passes were check downs to RB Theo Riddick and TE Eric Ebron. Stafford and the passing attack have another tough task at Minnesota on Sunday, making Tate a WR3 option.
Week 8 at Houston
After not doing much for the first five weeks of the season, Golden Tate has quickly become a big part of the Lions offense in the past two games. In the win over the Redskins last Sunday, he was targeted a team-leading 12 times, resulting in six receptions for 93 yards. With Josh Norman containing Marvin Jones for most of the contest, Golden received over 41 percent of Matthew Stafford’s passes. The Texans have the second best defense versus the pass, so Tate’s impressive numbers over the past couple weeks will likely take a dip.
Week 7 vs. Washington
It took six games, but Golden Tate finally showed up…probably to the chagrin of many fantasy owners who kept him on their bench based on his performance during the first five games. Golden torched the Rams for eight catches, 165 yards and his first score of the year. He had only 134 receiving yards on the season before last week’s performance. Look for him to again be a part of the Detroit passing attack on Sunday, but somewhere in between last week’s explosion and the first five contests. Consider him a flex play at home versus the Redskins.
Week 6 vs. Los Angeles
Even with Marvin Jones battling a sore foot last week versus the Eagles, Golden Tate finished with only three grabs for 39 yards. He did have his most productive game of the season, however, as he also carried the ball three times for six yards. Tate’s numbers have taken a deep dive with the departure of Calvin Johnson and the arrival of Jones. Whatever the reason is for the drop off, don't expect a turnaround on Sunday, so Golden does not make for a good fantasy start against the Rams.
Week 5 vs. Philadelphia
What is going on with Golden Tate? In the loss to the Bears last week, he played just 36 snaps and caught a one-yard pass on four targets before grabbing a two-point conversion in the waning moments. He has not registered more than 41 yards in a game this season and has only 14 receptions for 95 yards. Anquan Boldin is receiving more action and looks than Tate right now, so be cautious about starting him versus the Eagles.
Week 4 at Chicago
With Matthew Stafford looking to Marvin Jones and TE Eric Ebron each eight times last Sunday against the Pack, Golden Tate had another disappointing fantasy game – four receptions for 40 yards and a loss of eight yards on a rushing attempt. In the first three weeks, Jones has 18 grabs for over 400 yards, while Golden has 13 catches for only 94 yards. Jones has taken over as the top WR, but there’s still potential for Tate to bust out. This could be the week, facing a suspect Chicago defense.
Week 3 at Green Bay
Even though Matthew Stafford threw the ball 40 times last week in the loss to Tennessee, it was not a good day for Golden Tate owners, as the WR had only two receptions for 13 yards. It was not for a lack of effort to get Golden involved, as he was targeted nine times. Tate is still an important part of the Lions passing attack and will continue to receive looks from his QB. Despite totaling only 56 yards in the first two weeks, don’t give up on starting Tate just yet.
Week 2 vs. Tennessee
In the shootout win at Indianapolis last Sunday, Golden Tate led the Lions with seven receptions, but he averaged just 5.9 yards per catch. Marvin Jones was targeted a team-high 10 times, as Matthew Stafford put the ball in the air 39 times. Look for a more balanced attack by the Detroit offense in the home opener, but Tate is still a nice weapon. Consider him a WR3 play this week.
Week 1 at Indianapolis
In his two seasons in Detroit, Golden Tate has 189 receptions for over 2,100 yards and 10 scores. Even though Calvin Johnson retired, Tate remains the No. 2 WR option for Matthew Stafford, behind free agent signee Marvin Jones. However, Golden has been a great weapon for the Lions and that trend should continue this season. He has a favorable matchup in what could be a high-scoring affair with Indianapolis. Be sure to start Tate in the opener.
