For the last few years, the Detroit Lions have had a good-not-great offense buoyed by a strong defense. That is a perfect description for this year’s Denver Broncos team, as Denver’s defense has been much stronger than its offense through two weeks. Meanwhile, the Lions aren’t the defensive presence they used to be. The two teams play one another on Sunday night, with the Lions looking for their first win and the Broncos hoping to stay undefeated.
Fantasy football advice, Week 3: Who to start/sit for Broncos vs. Lions on Sunday night
Sunday’s list of games ends up with a stout defense looking to play shutdown football, but not the defense we’re used to.
As if his slow start to the season wasn’t enough, Denver running back C.J. Anderson has also been battling a toe injury, though he said he’s not worried about it for Sunday. On the Detroit side, quarterback Matthew Stafford should play despite battling injuries to his arm, ribs and chest all week.
The Lions will host the Broncos on Sunday, with the game scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BRONCOS
Start ‘em: He might not be the Peyton Manning we’ve known all these years anymore, but he showed enough in Week 2 to still be a must-start, if a low-end one. ... One more week, C.J. Anderson. You get one more week to re-prove yourself. ... Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders remain must-start receivers. ... Brandon McManus should be a fine fantasy kicker going forward as long as the Denver offense can produce. ... The Broncos’ defense has put up 38 fantasy points through two weeks. That’s huge.
Sit ‘em: Unless/until the Broncos actually move on from Anderson to Ronnie Hillman, the backup is just a backup. ... Owen Daniels has been awful for fantasy owners through two weeks. He maintains some upside, but you can’t reasonably use him.
LIONS
Start ‘em: The Broncos have a great defense, which could hurt Calvin Johnson, but it’s still Calvin Johnson, and you’re still using him.
Start ‘em?: It’s still the case for Golden Tate that as long as Johnson is there, he probably can’t be a regular performer. ... Eric Ebron has been strong through two weeks. He’s forcing himself into the tight end conversation.
Sit ‘em: Between his injury, the tough opponent and generally reduced production, you can’t run Matthew Stafford out there in fantasy. ... After a big Week 1, Ameer Abdullah couldn’t do much of anything in Week 2, and it’s not like Joique Bell did much to compensate. Both are super-low-end flex plays, but with zero-point floors. ... Matt Prater probably won’t see many kicking opportunities Sunday. ... The Lions’ defense is a far cry from its heyday, and now faces a strong Denver offense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Peyton Manning, C.J. Anderson, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Denver defense, Calvin Johnson
Start if you’re desperate: Golden Tate, Eric Ebron
Bench: Ronnie Hillman, Owen Daniels, Matthew Stafford, Ameer Abdullah, Joique Bell, Matt Prater, Detroit defense
