4. TE Sam LaPorta
A lot has been made of LaPorta's lack of involvement in the Lions' offense through two games, rightfully so, but to his credit he is staying the course and he knows his time will come.
In fantasy football circles, there has long been three absolute certainties: death, taxes and start your tight ends against the Cardinals. That hasn't held up early this season, but the middle of their defense is still soft. According to Pro Football Focus, starting linebacker Kyzir White allowed eight receptions for 142 yards on 10 targets in his coverage through two games. Cardinals linebackers have also allowed 115 of the 233 yards after the catch the team has allowed so far, with 90 of those "credited" to White.
This week looks like a game where LaPorta can be re-asserted as a prominent part of the Lions' offense, with numbers for him to back it up. The key to getting on track in the red zone seems to sit there more than anywhere else.
3. CB Terrion Arnold
Arnold has struggled with penalties through his first two NFL games, most notably three pass interference calls he has invited as he adjusts to the way cornerbacks are officiated at this level. Those penalties have led to 13 points for the opponent.
The entire Lions' secondary will be particularly challenged by Cardinals' rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn harkened back to his matchups as a player with Harrison's father, and named Arnold in the vein of Sunday's game against the highly-touted fellow rookie.
Lions DC and 3x Pro Bowl CB Aaron Glenn on Marvin Harrison vs Marvin Harrison Jr: "Bigger than his dad, don’t think he’s faster than his dad. Same skillsets as his dad. I’m hoping Terrion does a good job on him and gets a couple of those picks like I got on his dad, too."
— Will Burchfield (@burchie_kid) September 19, 2024
Arnold seems to be good to go after dealing with an illness during the practice week. There will be a natural spotlight on him Sunday, from the Cardinals' passing game plan and the officials. A clean performance with an impact play or two would be nice to see, and it stands to be vital to the Lions' winning.