For the first half of Sunday’s game, it appeared as though the Atlanta Falcons were going to completely dominate the Detroit Lions in front of roughly 80,000 fans in London. The Lions couldn’t seem to stop Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense, and Matthew Stafford was clearly playing at a disadvantage without Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. Trailing 21-0 at the end of the half, the Lions had to make something happen.
Golden Tate and Matthew Stafford shine, Joique Bell struggles for fantasy owners in Week 8 as Lions beat Falcons
It was a thrilling game across the pond as the Lions orchestrated a second-half comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. We take a look at the noteworthy fantasy performances.
Jamie McDonald
The Lions took over the game in the second half. The Falcons offense was collapsing, and Stafford and company took advantage of it. With 1:38 left in the game, Stafford and the offense only trailing 21-19. What was once a lopsided game in favor of the Falcons became lopsided in favor of the Lions in the second half. A 48-yard Matt Prater field goal ended up clinching a Lions victory.
Of course, there’s a lot to digest in the world of fantasy football.
Matthew Stafford: It was a rocky start for Stafford. Between poor offensive play calling and Stafford's errant throws, it almost appeared as though he would be a fantasy dud for the week. In typical fashion, however, Stafford salvaged his day in the second half as the Lions locked into comeback mode. Stafford finished with 325 yards and two touchdowns along with an interception. Both of Stafford's touchdowns came in the second half. He clearly could use his stud wide receiver back on the field, but he's still afloat for fantasy owners as Tate continues to play at a high level. He'll continue to be an average QB1 that thrives in late-game situations.
Golden Tate: Tate continues to make things happen in the absence of Calvin Johnson. He finished with seven receptions for 151 yards and a tocuhdown. It was Tate's third game this season with over 130 receiving yards and a touchdown. Once again, Tate was the focal point of the offense. Stafford relied on him for a number of crucial plays down the stretch. Even some of Stafford's inaccurate throws were caught as Tate skillfully adjusted to them. He's a solid WR1 especially with Johnson off the field.
Joique Bell: It was supposed to be a huge day for Bell. Reggie Bush was inactive, and the Falcons have been hemorrhaging fantasy points to running backs all season. It seemed like everything was in place for Bell to put up monstrous numbers for fantasy owners. Bell finished with 14 carries for 39 yards. He added just two catches for 22 yards to his day with zero touchdowns. Bell was hardly used in the first half as the Lions tried to overcome the Falcons lead. He saw some improvement in the second half, but lost touches to Theo Riddick, including a touchdown. It was a disappointing day for Bell. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end RB2 after the bye week.
Theo Riddick: In what was assumed to be Bell's day, Riddick stepped up and operated in Reggie Bush's role well. Riddick didn't see much work on the ground, but he was crucial in the passing game. He carried the ball just three times for 5 yards. However, he caught eight passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. If Bell continues to be underwhelming, the Lions may lean on Riddick more down the stretch. However, Riddick appears better suited in Reggie Bush's role. Bell is better suited between the tackles. Add Riddick to your "Watch List," but he's not a hot waiver grab for 12-team leagues or less.
