Sports

Fantasy plays: Time to dump Matthew Stafford?

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) stands in the bench area during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) stands in the bench area during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
By Pat Graham
Oct 18, 2015

Detroit coach Jim Caldwell is sticking with Matthew Stafford as his quarterback. How about you?

Many fantasy owners are at wit's end with Stafford. That pretty much goes with most of the Lions for that matter, including running back Joique Bell and receiver Golden Tate.

Stafford has been such a fantasy tormenter. He has Calvin Johnson and still hasn't consistently put up points. Last week, Stafford was picked off three times before being pulled for Dan Orlovsky.

What to do, what to do. The hardest thing is saying so long to a draft pick, especially if you have an emotional attachment.

Josh McCown (owned by 15 percent in Yahoo leagues) isn't a bad option, especially with Johnny Manziel no longer breathing down his neck. McCown threw for 457 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns' 33-30 win over the Ravens. He also was named the AFC's offensive player of the week.

But now he goes against that vaunted Denver defense featuring Von Miller & Co. Still, have to like McCown's chances better than trotting out Stafford again, right?

Or how about grabbing Matt Cassel (next week, since Dallas is on a bye). Cassel threw for 469 yards and four TDs — in 2010, when he was with Kansas City.

WHITE SIGHTING

Atlanta receiver Roddy White was hoping to be more involved in the offense. This was a step in the right direction: He caught three passes in a loss to New Orleans on Thursday night, including his first TD of the season.

THOUGHTS ENTERING WEEK(END) 6

LAST-MINUTE PLAYS

OF CHIEF CONCERN

Before Jamaal Charles was lost for the season with a torn ACL, Charcandrick West was picked up in 0.2 percent of ESPN leagues. Now, he's owned in 75.3 percent.

So do you start West or Knile Davis? In Yahoo PPR leagues, West is forecasted for 11.65 points and Davis 7.29. West may be the better option, simply because he figures to be featured in third-down situations.

GRAB HIM NOW

New England receiver Brandon LaFell is eligible to come off the physically-unable-to-perform list in Week 7. Scoop him up while you can. He's demonstrated he has quite a rapport with Tom Brady. LaFell caught 74 passes for 953 yards and seven TDs last season.

About the Author

Pat Graham

More Stories