Detroit Lions Tickets - Matthew Stafford Could Have Big Year
Though Mark Sanchez has gathered considerably more attention in New York than Lions
quarterback Matthew Stafford, Stafford was just as good his rookie season considering the talent limitations on his team. This year, Stafford will lead the improving Lions and has plenty of weapons to make them one of the more exciting teams in the league. Let's take a look at the fantasy potential of the marquee players.
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver:
If Johnson can stay healthy, the league will find out just how special he truly is. Johnson is the most athletic receiver in the league and there isn't a single thing on the field that he can't do. The problem has been that he's had no viable receivers on the other side of the field, which means that defenses could roll over coverage with no consequences. Amidst double-teams and injuries, Johnson had a regressive season in 2009, though he still had flashes of brilliance. With Nate Burleson on the side of the field for this year, however, Johnson should have less pressure and he will also benefit from Stafford having another season under his belt.
Projection: 79 catches, 1,325 yards, 10 touchdowns.
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback:
Stafford looked like a rookie a lot in 2009, as is to be expected from a rookie quarterback playing on a team without a lot of talent. Still, Stafford managed to impress in spots and definitely showed his abilities as a leader. The former number one overall draft pick is a very bright player who should improve rapidly in his second season with Burleson added to the roster and rookie running back Jahvid Best giving the backfield a boost. If Stafford can get it going, he should definitely help sell plenty of Detroit Lions tickets in the process. If you're looking for a backup quarterback for your team with lots of upside, Stafford could very well be your guy.
Projection: 3,800 yards, 22 touchdowns, 17 interceptions.
Kevin Smith, Running Back:
After putting up a very good rookie campaign in 2008, Smith battled injuries in 2009 that made him very inconsistent. With his knees approaching 100 percent as we get closer to the start the season, there is hope that Smith could once again become a good option for your fantasy team, as long as you're not counting on him to do too much. Stafford's big arm should, in theory, also help keep safeties away from the line of scrimmage, which could open up the running game for Smith in 2010. Smith could be a solid option as a second or, ideally, the third running back on your fantasy team.
Projection: 1,050 combined yards, seven touchdowns.
Nate Burleson, Wide Receiver:
In the right situation, Burleson can be a very productive receiver. With defenses having to account for Calvin Johnson on the other side of the field, Burleson should be able to work the shorter routes very well. If he can develop some chemistry with Stafford, Burleson could even be a nice red zone target in addition to being the possession receiver on the team. Without the presence of a dominant pass-catching tight end, Burleson could flourish on the Lions as the team looks to keep an up-tempo throughout the season.
by: Pat Smith
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