Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons
In the win over the Giants last Monday night, Matthew Stafford threw the ball just 21 times, as the Lions ground game and defense controlled the game. Stafford threw for 122 yards and 2 TDs and also ran for 23 yards. This week he faces an Atlanta team that just yielded 343 passing yards to Aaron Rodgers, although the Packers were playing from behind for much of the game. Back at home, Stafford makes for a definite QB1 option.
Week 2 at New York Giants
In his first game since signing his monstrous contract, Matthew Stafford didn’t disappoint the Lions or fantasy owners. He torched the Cardinals secondary last week for 292 yards and 4 TDs. Stafford connected with seven receivers in the win, with two of his touchdown passes caught by rookie Kenny Golladay, who will continue to be a red zone option. Last week in Dallas, the Giants fell behind early, which meant the Cowboys could put their offense on cruise control. Dak Prescott threw for 268 yards versus the G-Men in the opener, but in a hostile environment on Monday night, Stafford likely won’t throw four scores again, and all of his numbers should take a dip.
Week 1 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Matthew Stafford is coming off of his sixth consecutive season of throwing for over 4,200 yards, and was recently well compensated for his efforts. While his touchdown total dipped to 24 in 2016, he also threw a career-low 10 interceptions. After being hit by the injury bug last year, Stafford will have all of his weapons, including the return of the elusive Theo Riddick and preseason standout rookie Kenny Golladay. The Cardinals pass defense is solid, finishing fourth in the NFL. Therefore, you may want to temper expectations in Week 1, but he is our No. 6 ranked quarterback.
Fantasy Upside
The first season for Matthew Stafford without Calvin Johnson actually went well. Stafford completed 65 percent of his passes for over 4,300 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has been the model of consistency, throwing for more than 4,200 yards and averaging 28 touchdowns during the past six seasons, a stretch that has not seen him miss any games. Without Megatron, his touchdown tosses took a bit of a hit in ’16, but his interception total dropped as well, to a career-low 10 picks. Not known for his scrambling ability, Stafford ran for a career-best 207 yards last season, and also scored twice on the ground. He has 14 rushing scores during his eight years as a pro.
Fantasy Downside
The run game continues to be a missing part of the Lions offense, allowing defenses to key on Stafford and the passing attack. Detroit had the third-worst ground attack in 2016.
Last year’s first-round pick, left tackle Taylor Decker, had offseason shoulder surgery and could miss a significant amount of time.
2017 Bottom Line
During the early part of last season, Stafford connected often with Marvin Jones, but over the last half of the season, he and Golden Tate were back on the same page. With Jones back for his second season, along with another year of familiarity with Eric Ebron and Tate, Stafford should continue to be a very serviceable fantasy QB.
Wild Card Round at Seattle
The Lions loss to the Packers last Sunday means Matthew Stafford and the Lions will have to win three road games in order to make it to their first ever Super Bowl. Prior to the good game versus Green Bay to close the season, Matthew had thrown for 270 or fewer yards in nine of the previous 12 contests. And, he tossed just six TDs during the final seven weeks. Against a solid Seattle defense, even without Earl Thomas, you should choose another playoff fantasy QB over Stafford.
Week 17 vs. Green Bay
After scoring touchdowns on the first three drive last Monday in Dallas, Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense struggled the rest of the way, failing to score another point. In the loss, Matthew threw for 260 yards and was sacked four times. He did manage to plow in on fourth down for a one-yard score. In Week 3 at Green Bay, Stafford tried to rally his team back from a big deficit, throwing for 385 yards and three TDs, but expect a closer contest for much of the rematch.
Week 16 at Dallas
Playing with a glove on his throwing hand in the rain last week at the Giants, Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense struggled. While he completed 24 passes for 273 yards, the team couldn’t finish drives and scored just six points in the loss. It was his first game without a TD toss since Nov. 20, and he’s now thrown three picks versus just one touchdown the past two weeks. Stafford and Detroit have another road matchup on Monday night, facing the Cowboys defense that is No. 28 against the pass. Consider Stafford a low-end QB1 option.
Week 15 at New York Giants
Despite torn ligaments and a joint dislocation in his right, throwing, middle finger, Matthew Stafford again led his team back in the fourth quarter last week. Playing with a glove after the injury against a good Bears defense, Matthew threw for 223 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 15 yards, including the game-winning score. It was a good sign he was able to be effective with the glove, and all indications are that he’ll be behind center on Sunday. The Giants are No. 23 versus the pass, but weather could be a factor, so consider Stafford more of a QB2 play.
Week 14 vs. Chicago
For the first time this season, Matthew Stafford didn’t have to rally his team to victory in the fourth quarter last week. Despite not having Marvin Jones, he threw for 341 yards on 30 completions, with two touchdowns, including a 66-yarder that gave the Lions some breathing room in the final stanza. Matthew has also become a bit of a weapon with his legs, running for 22 yards against the Saints. At Chicago in early October, he threw for just 213 yards with two picks and the Bears defense is No. 6 versus the pass thanks to an ugly performance by the 49ers offense last week. However, Stafford is a QB1 play at home on Sunday.
Week 13 at New Orleans
On Thanksgiving, Matthew Stafford threw for 232 yards and a score against the Vikings. While he’s thrown for less than 250 yards in three of the past four games, Matthew has a great matchup this week against a Saints defense that is No. 27 against the pass. Go ahead and start Stafford with confidence on Sunday.
