Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Bust Alert? Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford

Picture

With the first week of the NFL season approaching, fantasy football geeks across the nation are gearing up to take on their opponents. Whether or not your league has drafted yet, here you will find insight and analysis of Detroit Lions’ quarterback, Matt Stafford, and the argument for why he should not be in your starting lineup… (with a few exceptions).

This year, I am anti-Stafford. However, if you are in a deep league and need to start two quarterbacks, he might be worth starting. But, you better be sure to own a top five quarterback as well, such as Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or Tony Romo. It’s not so much that I despise Stafford, it’s just that I like so many other quarterbacks more than him. It’s not you Stafford… it’s me.

I fear Stafford’s fantasy ceiling is low and playing on an abysmal team doesn’t help. His 53.3 percent completion was ranked 30th last year, and he was tied for second most interceptions with 20 (in only 10 games). Stafford passed for 300+ yards in one game last year, and threw five of his 13 touchdowns in that same game.

Detroit’s offensive line isn’t getting any better either. In 2009, the Lions’ O-Line was ninth for sacks allowed with 43 (Green Bay was first with 51). They were also ranked sixth for QB hits with 95 (Jacksonville was first with 126). Stafford’s supporting cast did improve though with the addition of Nate Burleson and Jahvid Best, but I still cannot see a fantasy-relevant season for Stafford in 2010-11.

Unfortunately, CBS Fantasy Sports enthusiasts have been drafting him around 131st overall (ADP) and the 20th QB taken. Quarterbacks like Kyle Orton (150 ADP), David Garrard (153 ADP), Matt Moore (161 ADP), and Jason Campbell (152 ADP) all have a great chance and pieces in set to produce more than Stafford. Keep in mind, I do not think the before listed players are ideal top starters for your team, but in deeper leagues with two quarterback rosters, I’d rather own these guys than spoil my stats with Stafford.

If you disagree with me, and you’re confident that Stafford is in line for a stupendous sophomore season, go and get him. That’s what makes fantasy football so unique and exciting, the urge to go against the grain; the passion to win each week, the drive to impress your friends. Enjoy the season, and regardless of owning Stafford or not… there’s always next year.

Written by Tyler Becker exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com. Look for Tyler’s
weekly insight into MLB, NFL, & NHL. You can follow Tyler on Twitter @FantasyProdigy

What do you think about Matthew Stafford this year?
Leave a comment and let us know, or reply to us on twitter @TheFantasyFix

Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Blog, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football, NFL, Bust, Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Nate Burleson, Jahvid Best, Kyle Orton, David Garrard, Matt Moore, Jason Campbell


Previous post

Fantasy Baseball Forecast: Week 23's Two-Start Pitchers & Sit 'Em Start 'Em

Next post

Fantasy Football Week One Sit 'Em & Start 'Em! Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler & More