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Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford’s 2017 fantasy football value

By Genna Preston

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card game at CenturyLink Field on January 7, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 07: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card game at CenturyLink Field on January 7, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had arguably his best season last year, but what is his fantasy football value for 2017?

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is one of the most underrated quarterbacks. Yes, he’s yet to have playoff success (but he’s so close that success seems to be coming). However, that doesn’t matter when it comes to fantasy football.

Coming out of the 2016 season, Stafford is on the heels of a phenomenal campaign. He led the league in game-winning drives, while also ranking sixth in the NFL in completions and passing yards.

He was also the fastest quarterback in 2016 with his release when facing blitzes, getting the ball out in an average of 2.12 seconds. The Lions also ranked third in passing plays run with almost 65 percent of their offensive plays being of that variety.

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These efforts were the cause and effect of less sacks given in 2016 which is ideal for any fantasy football owner. In 2015, Stafford was sacked 44 times compared to his 37 in 2016. Even NFL players ranked Stafford 31st for the annual NFL Top 100 list.

Over the past six seasons, Stafford has thrown for 4,200 yards or more in each year, including going for over 5,000 yards in 2011. What’s more, he hasn’t thrown fewer than 590 pass attempts in any of those six seasons. Again, the Lions like to throw the ball.

Stafford is also an ideal quarterback, because of his toughness and durability. From running back onto the field for the last play of the game in 2009 against the Cleveland Browns to make the game-winning play to countless other instances, he’s proven to be willing to play through the pain. Last season, he played the last few games with a dislocated thumb. Even better, he’s played in all 16 games in each of his last six seasons.

I say it ever year, and I will say it again: Stafford should be your man at quarterback He makes a fantastic QB2. For those in deep leagues, he’ll be a reliable QB1.

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According to Fantasy Football Calculator, Stafford is currently the 15th quarterback being drafted in 12-team leagues, with an average draft position of 116.8. He has top-10 upside every time that he’s healthy, so you could potentially great value if you find him there in your league.

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