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Lions at Packers: 5 best fantasy options

By Dan Schmelzer

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
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 /
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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.

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