NFL Fantasy Football Profile: Matthew Stafford Of Detroit Lions

Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Now more than ever the Detroit Lions franchise rests on the shoulders of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The departure of defensive stalwart Ndamukong Suh has made that clear enough. The 27-year old quarterback has remained the unquestioned starter for six season in the Motor City and though he’s produced constant 4,000-yard seasons and plenty of highlights showing off that rocket arm, his success on the field has remained limited.

He’s made the playoffs twice since 2011. In both games Stafford staked the Lions to a first half lead and both times failed to protect it. New Orleans overcame a 14-10 deficit and last year Dallas dug out of a 17-7 hole. Not all of that is Stafford’s fault but as the quarterback and one of the highest paid players on the roster, he must shoulder the bulk of the blame.

The 2014 season was not one of his best despite reaching the Pro Bowl. So what do NFL fantasy football owners make of him in 2015?

2014 Production:

4,257 yards passing
24 touchdowns
15 turnovers
251.58 fantasy points

Detroit was a defensively-driven team last season. With Suh gone, along with Nick Fairley it’s probable a significant transition is coming. Stafford has arguably the best offensive talent he’s ever had around him as a pro. Headlining things is Calvin Johnson of course, followed by Golden Tate, tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Eric Ebron and running backs Joique Bell and Ameer Abdullah. The options are everywhere while the excuses have all but vanished.

Matthew Stafford knows the fate of the Detroit Lions as a foe to the hated Green Bay Packers in the NFC North rests with him. Talented though he is, a guy only gets so many swings in the batters box before people start to question whether he deserves his spot in the lineup. For fantasy owners it will be about the numbers, and if he stays healthy Stafford should deliver.

For the Lions, it must be about coming through in the big games.

Fantasy Points Projection: 312

Next: 10 Burning NFL Questions: The Dallas Cowboys

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