Matthew Stafford A Fantasy Football Sleeper?

by Sean Yuille on Jul 27, 2010 1:56 AM EDT in NFL Fantasy Football

I haven't given fantasy football rankings and stuff like that a ton of thought yet (I will probably save that until the hour before my first draft like usual), but I have been thinking about where Matthew Stafford will go in most drafts this year. On the one hand, Stafford had injury problems last season, played for a 2-14 team and didn't put up out-of-this-world numbers. On the other hand, this year he is part of a potentially explosive offense, and we all saw how great he can be at times last year.

One person who likely is on the bandwagon for the latter argument is NFL Network's Michael Fabiano. Recently for NFL Total Access, he broke down his top five quarterbacks for fantasy football, and although Stafford was not one of the players at the top of his rankings, he was one of Fabiano's "sleepers." When you really think about it, that is probably the best description you can give Stafford when it comes to fantasy football.

Most people aren't going to draft Stafford with the intention of him being their No. 1 QB week in and week out, but he isn't a bad backup at all. Aside from the fact that he should improve as a quarterback now that he has a year of experience under his belt, just look at the players around him on offense. With the likes of Jahvid Best, Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler lining up alongside Stafford, he has a number of options to throw the ball to. What's more, with what should be an improved offensive line protecting him, you would think his numbers (and the chances of staying healthy) will increase in 2010.

Although I definitely think Stafford is a sleeper, I don't know if I'd pick him too high for my own team. Like I said, he's a solid backup for sure, but would anybody be willing to roll with him as their No. 1 QB from the very beginning? Unless I'm sipping on the Kool Aid a bit too much before my draft, I have a tough time saying yes to that question for myself. Risks are definitely a part of fantasy football, but for such an important position, I'd rather go with a proven talent than the potential of Stafford, but that's just me.

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I have Stafford as my backup.

in a yahoo league. I got Drew Brees too though..lol

by hellspawn138 on Jul 27, 2010 9:38 AM EDT reply actions

Depends on where you pick maybe....

I think it depends on where you pick and who is gone. If the top 5 RB’S and QB’s are gone, I would most likely pick the top WR, on the next pick go RB. Since I believe Best will be around in later round and will have a great year. I would load my team with the top WR and TE talent along with 1 top RB talent. I think Stafford will be under rated this year and you can snag him late. That being said, after the top QB’s are taken, there is a large drop off or average scores where these players dont have huge games. The WR, RB usually have that happen with your sometimes TE. If your WR and TE positions are stacked, you get a top RB around the 18th pick and say Best and Stafford as your sleepers. You should have a pretty loaded team. Best will be very valuable since they will move him around, catching and running. This is how I draft, not that I am a wizard but it would not be a bad draft. Of course it all depends on who is taken in front of you and where you are drafting. In a 12 man league and I am drafting say 10 or later, this might not be a bad option depending who all has been taken.

by Joey-P on Jul 27, 2010 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

I had Big Ben as backup at first...

But I am boycotting everything BIg Ben cause I think he is an ass. So I traded Big Ben for Stafford and Best. I later picked Kevin Smith and Nate Burleson up off waivers. I know I am taking a risk. Oh well…lol. If it works out I will look like a genius. LMAO

by hellspawn138 on Jul 27, 2010 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

But when it fails

You look like matt millen.

"If nobody invites you to their party, start your own f#$%ing paty"---Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society

by Enforcer on Jul 27, 2010 12:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Really

I dunno if he’d be that bad…haha..He’s certainly screwed on the bye week.

Me and Pheonix Marie..be Jealous (pic)

"When people start copying your style, you know that something must be happening." - James hetfield (Metallica)

by The Profiler on Jul 27, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

A good backup

Matt will make a good backup/late round pick. He’s got a big upside if he pans out, and the FF managers who have drafted “upside” guys in the later rounds that pan out are usually the ones in the playoffs at the end of the year.

by Big Z in Orlando on Jul 27, 2010 2:38 PM EDT reply actions