Notes: Peter Schrager ‘won’t be surprised’ if Matthew Stafford wins 2021 MVP

Unless you’re living under a rock, you’re aware national media has suddenly taken a shine to Matthew Stafford now that he’s no longer in Honolulu blue.

It’s likely rubbing you the wrong way — he was a great player in Detroit, darn it. But before you grab your pitchfork, Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager is one of the few making sure it’s noted that Stafford was a beast during his tenure in the Motor City.

The GMFB crew this morning posed the question: On a scale of 1 to 10, how crazy would it be if Matthew Stafford turned out to be the 2021 MVP?

Schrager gave it a 2 out of 10.

“Ho-hum. I wouldn’t be surprised. I thought Matt Stafford was in the MVP conversation on some bad Detroit Lions teams,” he said.

Lions fans might appreciate that recognition. Schrager goes on to argue Stafford was “miraculously” finding ways to win at the end of games. He says he called Stafford the dark horse to win the 2020 MVP race. That, of course, wasn’t the case, but Schrager says 2021 is the year.

“Stafford, who was always good, but sometimes injured, sometimes just not getting wins when it mattered in December and January — I think this year it changes. I would say two, I won’t be surprised. If the Rams are what I expect them to be, Matthew Stafford’s going to be very, very in that MVP conversation.”

And onto the rest of your notes.

• The Lions announced WynnBET as an official sportsbook and gaming partner. Perhaps more importantly they’re housing the ​​WynnBET Sports Bar at Ford Field, which is set to open this season to fans 21 and older near section 222. “Lions fans visiting the space will have access to brand ambassadors, live betting lines, and food and drinks as part of the overall WynnBET onsite experience (the space will also be open to major Ford Field events).”

• The Athletic’s Chris Burke asked Lions fans 20 questions from how many games they think the Lions will win in 2021 to confidence levels in Brad Holmes. Check out what they had to say. (Subscription required.)

• CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin named Jared Goff as one of five quarterbacks in danger of taking a step back this season. With the counter argument, I came across a Bleacher Report article arguing Goff will turn it all around in Detroit.

• I think this is an updating list, but Pro Football Focus ranked the top centers in the league and Frank Ragnow comes in at No. 3. Read why here’s there.

• Also from PFF, no current but two former Lions made their list of top 32 offensive guards.