NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2020: Patrick Mahomes is head of the class
By Samuel Teets
. Matthew Stafford. 11. player. 50. .
Matthew Stafford‘s season ended after eight games because of fractured bones in his back. However, he put together an incredible eight-game stretch worthy of MVP consideration at the time he went down. If Stafford replicates his 2019 numbers this coming season, he’ll jump into the top seven quarterbacks in a matter of weeks.
In his eight-game season, Stafford completed 64.3 percent of his pass attempts for 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. Over a 16-game season, that translates to 4,998 yards, 38 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Even though he didn’t finish the season, 2019 is arguably the best year of Stafford’s career statistically, even topping his 5,000-yard performance in 2011.
Stafford finished last season with a 106.0 quarterback rating, which is by far a career-best. The Georgia product had never even produced another season with a rating of 100.0 or higher. Stafford also set single-season career-highs in yards per attempt (8.6) and yards per completion (13.4). It’s just a shame he couldn’t finish the year.
The Lions could surprise fans in 2020. The addition of D’Andre Swift solves Detroit’s ongoing issues at running back, and the wide receiver corps stuck together this offseason. If Matt Patricia can get the defense to put up even some token resistance, the Lions could jump the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.