The last two games Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford faced two mediocre defenses and played very streaky. Thursday he draws the division-leading Minnesota Vikings defense, ranked fifth in the league. Stafford completed 19 passes for 209 yards when the Lions beat the Vikings in Week 4. It was his second-worst passing game of the season, however. The Vikings’ passing defense has been a little laxer since their Week 9 bye. They gave up their second 300-plus passing game of the season to Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 10. Last week they held Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff to 209 passing yards.
Fantasy football Week 12: Start or sit Matthew Stafford on Thanksgiving
Stafford eyes a meeting with the division-leading Vikings. We look at the fantasy implications
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Stafford continues to be a top-10 quarterback despite the struggles of late. He passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Chicago Bears Sunday and he had just under 250 passing yards and three scores the week prior. He also has a turnover and lengthy stretches without much production in each game.
Fantasy impact: Stafford is one of the best QBs in the NFL. It is interesting that he is has struggled against average defenses after being on fire Weeks 6, 8, and 9. Stafford draws a tough foe that he is very familiar with Thursday. Lucky for him, the Vikings are slowing down a little as well. The matchup is not in his favor, however, Stafford is still performing at too high of a level to put on the bench.
