Week 9 at Minnesota Vikings
Facing a tough Indy defense last week, Matthew Stafford threw for 336 yards and three TDs, as he tried to lead his team back from down multiple scores. It was his second straight game over 300 yards and the second time he’s thrown for three scores this season. Stafford was without Kenny Golladay for much of the second half due to an injured hip and won't have him as an option on Sunday. The Vikings allow nearly 290 passing yards per game, so even without his top target Stafford is a low-end QB1 play - assuming he tests negative for COVID.
Week 8 vs. Indianapolis Colts
In the last second win against the Falcons last week, Matthew Stafford posted season highs of 25 completions and 340 yards with his only score being the game-winner to T.J. Hockenson. It was the third time in six outings in ’20 Stafford registered just one TD, including two games in a row. While the Lions will be at home on Sunday, they’ll be facing the No. 2 overall Colts defense so consider Stafford a low QB1 play.
Week 7 at Atlanta Falcons
In the win at Jacksonville last week, Matthew Stafford finished with 223 yards and one TD – the first time since the opener he failed to toss for multiple scores. In a strange coincidence, it was the third straight game in which he attempted exactly 31 passes. Stafford has yet to throw for 300 yards this season, averaging 248 yards per outing. The Falcons are yielding over 330 yards through the air, so consider Stafford a low-end QB1 start.
Week 6 at Jacksonville Jaguars
In the loss to the Saints two weeks ago, Matthew Stafford threw for 206 yards and three TDs. While his 17 completions and the yardage total were low marks of ‘20, the scores were a season high. Even after taking a quick two touchdown lead, the Lions found themselves playing catchup in the second half. Stafford and the Detroit offense have a favorable matchup on Sunday against the No. 28 Jaguars pass defense. He makes for a low QB1 play.
Week 4 vs. New Orleans Saints
At Arizona last week Matthew Stafford led his team back to a last second field goal victory. He threw for 270 yards and two TDs - the second straight outing he’s tossed for multiple scores. Although he was sacked four times for the second consecutive game, it was the first time in ’20 he didn’t throw an interception. It was a welcome site for Stafford to have Kenny Golladay in the lineup for the first time this season, as the two connected a team-high six times, including a score. Back at Ford Field on Sunday Stafford will be facing the Saints No. 20 pass defense, so consider him a low-end QB1 play.
Week 3 at Arizona Cardinals
Once again Matthew Stafford was without his top WR Kenny Golladay last week in Green Bay. In the loss Stafford threw for 244 yards and a couple TDs, but had his lone interception returned for a score. Golladay is hoping to return on Sunday, which would be a jolt to the Lions aerial attack, especially on the road against a Cardinals secondary that is allowing only 221 passing yards through two weeks. With or without his top WR, Stafford is more of a QB2 option.
Week 2 at Green Bay Packers
In the opener versus the Bears, Matthew Stafford was missing his No. 1 WR Kenny Golladay, but still threw for nearly 300 yards and a TD. It looked like he was able to lead the Lions to a last-minute victory until D’Andre Swift couldn’t hang on to a pass in the end zone. Stafford connected with Danny Amendola and TE T.J. Hockenson five times each, spreading the ball around to seven different pass catchers. This week at Green Bay he’ll be facing a defense that allowed over 250 passing yards, however much of that came after the Packers built big leads. Stafford is a borderline QB1 option, even with Golladay's status very much in doubt.
Week 1 – Matthew Stafford vs. Chicago Bears
After missing the second half of ’19 due to fractured back bones, Matthew Stafford is set to make his 12th opening day start on Sunday. Before being sidelined last year, he was putting up big numbers, throwing for nearly 2,500 yards and 19 TDs. The Lions receiving corps remained intact so not having any preseason games shouldn’t have any effect on Stafford getting on the same page with his WRs. The Bears have a solid defense, which makes the Detroit QB more of a QB2 play for Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
After missing half of last season due to fractured bones in his back, Matthew Stafford will be back under center for the Lions. It’s too bad his back didn’t let him continue, as he was having a stellar season, throwing for just under 2,500 yards with 19 TDs and only five picks – comparable numbers to what he posted in his breakout ’11 campaign. During all seven seasons between ’11-’17 he threw for at least 4,200, averaging 28 TDs.
Fantasy Downside
The back injury is definitely a concern, especially for a 32-year-old QB who’s entering his 12th season. It’ll be interesting to see if the deep ball suffers for Stafford, as he’s made a living airing it out to the likes of Calvin Johnson and now Kenny Golladay. If Detroit falls out of contention yet again, you’ve got to wonder if the veteran will be playing during your fantasy playoff run.
Bottom Line
Detroit has surrounded Stafford with weapons, most recently RB D’Andre Swift. He has proven WRs in Golladay in Mavin Jones, as well as last year’s first-round draft pick TE T.J. Hockenson. During his career, Stafford has never really had a ground game to help balance the offense, but with Swift that may change. As long as he’s able to make it through another season, expect Stafford to be his usual self, with over 4,000 yards and around 30 TD tosses.
Week 11 vs. Dallas Cowboys
After missing last week due to broken bones in his back, Matthew Stafford is hoping to be back on the field Sunday at home versus the Cowboys. Before the absence he'd been on a roll, tossing for at least three scores in three straight games, also throwing for a minimum of 342 yards during that span. Dallas owns the sixth-best pass defense, allowing less than 220 yards per game through the air, but if Stafford is cleared to play he should be your starting QB.
