QB Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions

6-2, 225

Born: 2-7-1988

College: Georgia

Drafted: Round 1, pick 2009

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Photo: Matthew Emmons, US Presswire

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Preseason player page

He is listed as questionable on this week's official injury report.

News you need to know

General News (Fri Dec 7): partially participated in Friday's practice and is questionable to play this week.

General News (Thu Dec 6): partially participated in Thursday's practice.

General News (Wed Dec 5): partially participated in Wednesday's practice.

Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

All QB vs ARI

FBG says: Tough matchup. After throwing for multiple touchdowns in six of his first seven games, Matthew Stafford has thrown for two touchdowns only once in his last five contests. Since week nine, Stafford has thrown only four touchdowns to five interceptions, and has not exceeded 275 passing yards in any of those games. This past week, Stafford was 20 of 33 for 245 yards with one touchdown and one interception. If there is something to be optimistic about, it is that Stafford's 7.4 yards per attempt was actually his fourth highest mark this season (and most since week eight). The Lions passing game has suffered since trading Golden Tate, and the loss of Marvin Jones Jr. to injury has destroyed the depth the Lions once had at wide receiver. Kenny Golladay has produced very well since atop the Lions depth chart, totaling 22 catches for 331 yards and two touchdowns in his last four games. Bruce Ellington has stepped into the #2 position with Jones Jr. out, and although he has 19 catches in his last three games, he has only 105 receiving yards to show for it. Theo Riddick has also stepped up in the short passing game, catching 28 passes since week nine, but the problem for the Lions has been throwing the ball down the field. The Lions offensive line has performed as a lower-middle tier group throughout the season, allowing 23 sacks on the season which is tied for 11th most in the NFL. The Cardinals pass defense played one of their best games of the season against the Packers last week, holding Aaron Rodgers to 31 completions on 50 attempts for only 233 yards and one touchdown. While the Cardinals were only able to sack Rodgers once during the game, they were constantly in the backfield, forcing Rodgers to dance around the pocket and try to either throw his receivers open on the sidelines or throw the ball away entirely. It was an impressive performance for a secondary that has held it together for most of the season, despite offenses constantly being in advantageous passing situations as the Cardinals have to put additional players in the box with their horrendous run defense. The defensive line has fared much better against the pass, racking up 38 sacks, which is tied for third best in the league this season. Patrick Peterson continues to be one of the premier players at his position, and he will face off against Kenny Golladay in what will be a great matchup within this matchup. Golladay brings size, speed and physicality, and will test Peterson's ability to cover him down the field. Working in Peterson's favor is the fact that the Cardinals defensive line will be able to put consistent pressure on Matthew Stafford. The Lions offensive line has just not been able to give Stafford time to throw, and his production has suffered mightily. With the Lions wide receiver depth completely depleted, and Golladay the only player able to create big plays on his own, look for the Cardinals to have their way with the Lions passing offense.

Recent Stats and Projections

WEEK	OPP		oSNAP	CMP	ATT	YD	TD	INT	RSH	YD	TD	FumL	Pts
10	at CHI		78	25	42	274	2	2	2	9	0	0	19.6
11	vs CAR		65	23	37	220	1	0	3	6	0	0	15.6
12	vs CHI		66	28	38	236	0	2	0	0	0	0	9.8
13	vs LAR		72	20	33	245	1	1	1	2	0	1	14.45
14	at ARI		0	15	23	101	0	0	1	7	0	0	5.75
14	at ARI	PROJ-Dodds	*	23	35	*	*	*	2	*	*	*	*
14	at ARI	PROJ-Tremblay	*	23	36	*	*	*	2	*	*	*	*
14	at ARI	PROJ-Bloom	*	18	29	*	*	*	2	*	*	*	*

Weekly Performance vs QB 1, QB 12, QB 24

Percentile ranks

Matthew Stafford's percentile rank in each category, among QB with more than 50 fantasy points.

Recent Game Summaries

2018 Week 13 vs LAR (20 / 33 / 245 / 1 / 1 pass, 1 / 2 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford continued to struggle in a loss to the Rams. Detroit's offense lacks continuity without Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kerryon Johnson, which severely hampers Stafford's upside. Stafford has little in terms of field stretchers in the offense. The only vertical option is Kenny Golladay, who drew a defensive pass interference, but did not help Stafford by getting too close to the sideline on a back-shoulder throw where he could not get two feet down and another pass in the end zone where he could not get his feet down along the end line. The offense also struggled with interior pass rush from Aaron Donald and was out of down and distance because of sacks and penalties. Stafford had the opportunity for another touchdown in the red zone, but he was hit as he threw to Theo Riddick and the ball was too low for Riddick to handle. Stafford's lone touchdown was a trick play to Taylor Decker where the Rams did not realize Decker was an eligible receiver. Stafford has struggled with turnovers recently and Sunday was no exception. He lost a fumble on a sack from Aaron Donald and later threw an ill-advised prayer into the end zone that was easily intercepted. Stafford will look to rebound against the Arizona Cardinals.

2018 Week 12 vs CHI (28 / 38 / 236 / 0 / 2 pass, 0 / 0 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford struggled to stretch the field against Chicago while missing Marvin Jones and still adjusting to losing Golden Tate to a trade. On the positive side, Stafford benefitted from improved offensive line play that protected him from Chicago's strong pass rush and was only sacked twice. On the bad side, Stafford threw two interceptions that were both intended for Michael Roberts. The first was clearly on Stafford as he threw the ball inside Roberts on a short flat route that was an easy pick-6. The second was less clear as Roberts looked to run an out in the end zone while Stafford threw the pass as if he anticipated a corner route. Stafford also threw a pass behind Riddick on a wheel route that should have been a touchdown. Stafford's throw took Riddick out of stride and he was tackled short of the goal line setting up a LeGarrette Blount rushing touchdown. Stafford will look to rebound against the Rams next week.

2018 Week 11 vs CAR (23 / 37 / 220 / 1 / 0 pass, 3 / 6 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford had a quiet day in a win against Chicago. Without Marvin Jones, Stafford had a hard time completing deep passes early and was limited to one deep completion, a 36-yard scramble drill throw to Kenny Golladay. Stafford attempted two other deep balls to Golladay that were well covered and drew a defensive pass interference on a deep target to Bruce Ellington. Stafford's lone touchdown was a well thrown ball to Golladay for a highlight high point catch. Stafford was the beneficiary of improved offensive line play that kept Stafford clean for most of the game, surrendering only one sack, after the two previous weeks of nearly continuous pressure. If Marvin Jones or Kerryon Johnson miss time, Stafford will continue to struggle with an offense that is suddenly hurting for difference making options in the passing game. Stafford faces a tough test on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears.

2018 Week 10 vs CHI (25 / 42 / 274 / 2 / 2 pass, 2 / 9 / 0 rush)

Stafford struggled against Chicago after Detroit got behind early. He was sacked twice on the first drive and a total of six times, the second consecutive game he faced heavy pressure. Stafford was unable to connect on vertical throws, but managed chunk plays on out routes to Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. Stafford threw two interceptions on the game. The first was an out where Marvin Jones fell down and the second was a prayer down the field on fourth down. Stafford buoyed his fantasy day with an easy touchdown on an out to Kenny Golladay and a second on a well-run screen pass to Kerryon Johnson. Stafford has struggled at times this season with touch and accuracy and missed easy throws in the flat this week. Stafford will look to rebound next week at home against Carolina.

2018 Week 9 vs MIN (25 / 36 / 199 / 0 / 0 pass, 5 / 6 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford was under relentless pressure against Minnesota and sacked 10 times. The pressure made it difficult for the offense to establish rhythm and sacks stopped two red zone drives. Stafford had little ability to consistently move the offense and when the offense did move, sacks put a halt to the progress. Stafford did manage to scramble for two conversions but made an uncharacteristically bad decision that resulted in Minnesota returning a fumble for a touchdown. Stafford was under pressure and scrambling when he tried to flip the ball to Kerryon Johnson behind him. The ball hit the ground and Minnesota returned it for a touchdown that put that game out of reach. Stafford had opportunities for scores, including a red zone throw to Kerryon Johnson in tight coverage that Johnson could not come down with. Stafford also missed Kenny Golladay on the boundary when he was scrambling for what could have been a long gain. Stafford has another tough matchup next week at Chicago.

2018 Week 8 vs SEA (27 / 40 / 310 / 2 / 1 pass, 1 / 6 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford struggled with turnovers in a loss to Seattle. Stafford lost a fumble when he was scrambling and stripped from behind when he had lax ball security. He also threw a backbreaking interception at the goal line with Detroit driving in a late comeback attempt. Stafford threw an out to Golden Tate on the play, but Stafford did not see the underneath defender. Stafford had success along the perimeter targeting Marvin Jones throughout the game. Stafford frequently targets Jones along the deep perimeter to beat cover 2, and this game was no exception. Stafford made multiple throws on the perimeter to Jones, including a red zone touchdown. Stafford's other touchdown pass was a scramble drill where Jones got lost deep behind a corner and a safety. His yardage in the second half was largely in comeback mode as he frequently targeted Kerryon Johnson in the role normally filled by the injured Theo Riddick. Stafford will face the Vikings next week on the road.

2018 Week 7 vs MIA (18 / 22 / 217 / 2 / 0 pass, 4 / 9 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford threw only 22 times, his second fewest attempts in a victory in his career. Stafford was efficient but took a backseat to a running game that carved up the Miami defense. Stafford threw two red zone touchdowns to Michael Roberts and could have had more. He nearly missed a third when Marvin Jones was interfered with on a deep target and had a touchdown throw on a highpoint catch by Kenny Golladay called back by penalty. The passing game was highly efficient albeit low volume. The success of the running game may keep Stafford's volume lower than normal but provides the opportunity for expanded efficiency in the play action passing game.

2018 Week 5 vs GB (14 / 26 / 183 / 2 / 0 pass, 1 / -1 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford had a low volume game against Green Bay largely the result of an early lead set up by Green Bay turnovers. Stafford had two touchdown passes, a post to Kenny Golladay and a back of the end zone throw to Marvin Jones. Stafford could have had a bigger day, with Marvin Jones dropping a long touchdown and Kenny Golladay getting tackled inside the five on a long reception. Detroit benefits from LeGarrette Blount's red zone ability, but it put a cap on Stafford's red zone attempts. Stafford was only sacked three times and showed the ability to get out of the pocket and create when plays broke down.

2018 Week 4 vs DAL (24 / 30 / 307 / 2 / 0 pass, 2 / 5 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford had a good game against the Dallas Cowboys. Stafford threw for two touchdowns and 307 yards on only 30 attempts. While the number may look like he was successful down the field, it was big run after catches by Golden Tate for two long touchdowns that accounted for the high yards per attempt. Stafford was better than earlier in the season and was largely efficient outside of a couple missed throws. He also showed good ability to escape pressure throughout the game. Stafford has a strong arsenal of weapons and when kept upright this type of game is a floor for his production.

2018 Week 3 vs NE (27 / 36 / 262 / 2 / 1 pass, 1 / 10 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford was well protected against a New England defense that struggled to generate a pass rush. Stafford was more accurate, throwing with better touch than in recent weeks. Stafford's first touchdown was a well thrown side arm pass to Kenny Golladay at the goal line. His second was a deep over route to Marvin Jones that was likely a blown coverage. Stafford showed the ability to escape and throw when under pressure and was only sacked once. Stafford could have had a bigger day but overthrew Marvin Jones on a post in the end zone. Stafford's interception was a bad throw off his back foot on third down on a crossing route to Luke Willson.

2018 Week 2 vs SF (34 / 53 / 347 / 3 / 0 pass, 1 / 8 / 0 rush)

In a game that looked good on the stat sheet, Matthew Stafford had the opportunity for a historic performance but missed several throws he ordinarily makes. Stafford missed three deep throws to Marvin Jones and a fourth to Kenny Golladay that were opportunities for 50+ yard touchdown passes. Stafford was equally erratic in the underneath, missing short throws to Theo Riddick and Golden Tate multiple times. Stafford had an opportunity for a red zone touchdown pass but overthrew Marvin Jones on a post. Stafford also had a bad lost fumble on a roll out play. Stafford's day was strong from a fantasy perspective, throwing touchdown passes in the red zone to Michael Roberts and Marvin Jones. Stafford's other touchdown was a play action pass to Golladay that Golladay made a great effort along the sideline to get into the end zone. Stafford was inaccurate in week three of the preseason and that has spilled over to the first two games of the season. If he can get his accuracy on track, the Detroit offense has juggernaut potential.

2018 Week 1 vs NYJ (27 / 46 / 286 / 1 / 4 pass, 1 / 6 / 0 rush)

Matthew Stafford had a terrible start to the season. He was inaccurate and made bad reads, which led to four interceptions. Stafford appeared injured twice. First, Stafford looked like he sustained a knee injury where his left tackle looked to clip his knee. Stafford hobbled for a few plays, but was able to remain in the game, and maintained his movement ability. The second injury was where he got hit while he was throwing by two defenders. He remained on the ground for a period but was able to return on the next series. The injury looked more like he had the wind knocked out of him than a risk for a head injury. Stafford was inaccurate and looked to be rusty after similar struggles in the third preseason game. Stafford could have saved his fantasy day in garbage time, but the team stalled out in the red zone including a T.J. Jones drop in the red zone. Several Jets defenders commented after the game Stafford was tipping his plays based off their knowledge of his hand signals and calls at the line, a trend that will likely require an adjustment.

Latest News

Lions | Matthew Stafford does nothing (Sun Dec 9, 11:06 PM) - Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford completed 15-of-23 pass attempts for 101 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals.

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Lions | Matthew Stafford ready to play (Sun Dec 9, 03:20 PM) - Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (back) is officially active for the team's Week 14 game.

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Lions | Matthew Stafford expected to play in Week 14 (Sun Dec 9, 09:33 AM) - Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (back) is expected to play in Week 14's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source.

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Lions | Questionable tag for Matthew Stafford (Fri Dec 7, 06:49 PM) - Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford (back) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 7, and is listed as questionable for Week 14.

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Lions | Week 14 injury report for Detroit (Fri Dec 7, 03:48 PM) - Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson (knee) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals. LB Trevor Bates (ankle) was limited in practice for a second straight day Friday, Dec. 7, but has also been ruled out. FB Nick Bellore (ankle), WR Bruce Ellington (back), DE Kerry Hyder Jr. (illness), LB Devon Kennard (hip), WR Brandon Powell (calf), TE Michael Roberts (shoulder), CB Darius Slay (ankle) and QB Matthew Stafford (back) were limited in practice Friday and are listed as questionable. DE Ziggy Ansah (neck) and WR Kenny Golladay (quad) returned to a full practice Friday and no longer appear on the injury report.

Our View: It sounds like Ellington and Stafford will play, but this is an afternoon start, so if you are counting on them in deep leagues, make sure to have a late/night game hedge on the roster. We should get news on Stafford Sunday morning before the early games kick off.
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