In-game update: Jones has one reception for 21 yards into the second quarter, although it did include him absolutely bulldozing a Bears defender. No fantasy points for that part, but it’s fun to watch!
When he’s healthy, Marvin Jones has been one of the more productive receivers in the NFC North, not to mention a solid option for fantasy lineups. The problem is that injuries have short circuited his production over the last two seasons, when he ended up on injured reserve in both years with knee problems. But he’s back this season, and ready to roll this week as the Detroit Lions open the season against the Chicago Bears. Is he worth putting in your lineup for Week 1?
Fantasy Football analysis: Detroit Lions, WR, Marvin Jones
In the 13 games before he landed on IR, Jones put up 779 yards and nine touchdowns. The biggest complaint fantasy owners had with him was his weekly output, which could swing up and down from game to game. For instance, his best game of the season, a four-touchdown, 93-yard effort against the Vikings in Week 7 last year, was sandwiched between two duds where he had 17 and 22 yards.
The goods news this week is that Jones has played well against the Bears, despite a Chicago defense that was pretty good at limiting damage from receivers. In two games last year against the Bears, he had 117 yards and a touchdown. In eight career games against the Bears, he’s got 490 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Chicago’s defense still projects as one of the tougher units in the league. He’ll potentially face cornerback Kyle Fuller, with Kenny Golladay unlikely to play due to a hamstring injury. It opens the door for a host of targets, even against a quality cornerback.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Marvin Jones.