Week 7 vs. Minnesota Vikings
At Green Bay last Monday, Kenny Golladay turned a flea flicker into a 66-yard reception on the game’s first play. In the loss, he finished with a team-leading nine targets, five catches and 121 yards – his second 100-yard game of the season. It’s no secret that Golladay is Matthew Stafford’s top WR, throwing in his direction an average of nine times per contest. Despite the Vikings solid pass defense expect another good game from Golladay in front of the home crowd at Ford Field.
Week 6 at Green Bay Packers
Two weeks ago in the loss to the Chiefs, Kenny Golladay scored two TDs, bringing his season total to four. He is averaging five grabs for 61 yards per contest and remains Matthew Stafford’s top target. On Monday night in Green Bay Golladay will be facing a solid pass defense. He should be considered a WR2 start.
Week 4 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Matthew Stafford threw Kenny Golladay’s direction eight times last Sunday against the Eagles, but the WR ended up with just two grabs for 17 yards. Consider last week an anomaly as Golladay was averaging 80 yards and a score the first two weeks. Sunday’s contest could turn in to a shootout with the offensive juggernaut Chiefs, so be sure Golladay remains a part of your starting lineup.
Week 3 at Philadelphia Eagles
After receiving nine targets in Week 1, Kenny Golladay was thrown to 10 times last Sunday versus the Chargers, leading to eight grabs for 117 yards and his second score of the young season. Matthew Stafford will continue to look for his big WR, who has a great matchup this week against an Eagles defense that has had trouble stopping the pass so far. Golladay needs to remain in your starting lineup.
Week 2 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
In the tie with the Cardinals last week nine of Matthew Stafford’s 45 passing attempts went in the direction of Kenny Golladay, with the speedster finishing with four receptions for 42 yards and a TD. Danny Amendola and TE T.J. Hockenson were both over 100 yards, but Golladay owners should be glad to see that the WR still received a decent number of targets. The Chargers defense allowed two T.Y. Hilton TDs in the opener and will have their hands full with the Detroit passing attack. Be sure to keep Golladay in your starting lineup.
Week 1 at Arizona Cardinals
Coming off his first 1,000-yard season, Kenny Golladay will again be Detroit’s No. 1 WR. He caught at least five passes eight times in ’18, eclipsing the century mark in three of those contests. In the 17-3 win at Arizona last December, Golladay was held to just two grabs for five yards, but the Cards will be without Patrick Peterson in the opener. He should be considered a WR2 play for the season opener.
Fantasy Upside
In his second pro season, Kenny Golladay became the breakout WR we expected. After missing five games during his rookie campaign and registering just 28 receptions, he rebounded to play in all but the season finale of ’18. In his sophomore season, Golladay registered 70 grabs for over 1,000 yards and five TDs. He posted three 100-yard games and recorded at least 70 yards in five other contests.
Fantasy Downside
After Golden Tate was traded at the end of October, Detroit’s passing attack took a dip. Marvin Jones also went down with an injury which ended up being a good thing for Golladay owners, as he saw double-digit targets in three of his final seven games. He was held to three or fewer catches five times and his last score came in Week 11. As the team’s top WR, he’ll be facing opponents’ top corners who will also likely have safety help.
Bottom Line
Golladay will be Lions No. 1 WR this season. He possesses great size at 6’4”, and speed, making him a prime target for Matthew Stafford’s deep balls. In his 26 NFL games Golladay has averaged 15.7 yards per reception and in half of those contests, he’s posted a 25-yard gainer. Look for Stafford to target the former Northern Illinois standout often, which should lead to a solid season with Golladay eclipsing the 1,000-yard plateau once again.
Week 17 at Green Bay Packers
The Lions offense had trouble moving the ball versus the Vikings last week, with Kenny Golladay finishing with six grabs for a team-leading 58 yards. He was targeted 15 times by Detroit QBs, the second time this season he’s received that many looks. Golladay hasn’t scored in five consecutive outings and, with his team’s offensive woes, likely won’t on Sunday. Although he did snag four passes for 98 yards and a TD versus Green Bay earlier this year.
Week 16 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Even though Matthew Stafford threw for only 208 yards last week at Buffalo, Kenny Golladay turned in one of his best performances of the season. On eight targets, he finished with seven receptions for 146 yards. It was the third time this season Golladay was over the century mark, but he’s failed to find the end zone in four straight. Golladay was held to three grabs for 46 yards in the loss against the Vikings in Week 9 and should be considered a WR3/flex play in the rematch.
Week 15 at Buffalo Bills
Matthew Stafford threw for just 101 yards last week at Arizona, with Kenny Golladay finishing with only two receptions for five yards. The Lions' offense didn’t need to do much in the win, so consider the performance an anomaly. However, Stafford, Golladay and the Detroit aerial attack will be facing the No. 1 defense versus the pass on the road. Golladay is a WR3 option.
