Matthew Stafford

The Lions' official website reports Matthew Stafford played through broken bones in his back throughout 2018.

Fantasy Impact

Stafford was listed with a back injury late in the year but it was never known to be this severe. The former number-one overall draft pick was already having a down season before the injury, and Detroit is expected to remain run-heavy in 2019.

Matthew Stafford completed 20-of-32 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns during the Lions 31-0 win over the Packers in the season finale. Stafford threw a five-yard strike to T.J. Jones in the first quarter and found him again for a 23-yard score in the fourth.

Fantasy Impact

The multi-touchdown effort from Stafford was his first game with more than one touchdown pass since Week 10. He finished the season with 21 TD passes and 11 interceptions and failed to exceed 4,000 yards for the first time since 2010. Stafford will likely be a backup QB option in fantasy leagues heading into next season.

Matthew Stafford completed 18-of-32 passes for 116 yards with no touchdown passes and no interceptions during a 27-9 loss to the Vikings.

Fantasy Impact

It was the third time in the last five games that Stafford did not throw a touchdown pass. He was also held under 120 passing yards for the second time in the last three weeks. The Lions passing game has been abysmal for the better part of the second half of the season. Stafford should not be anywhere near a fantasy lineup in any format. He'll finish the season at Green Bay.

ESPN's Field Yates is reporting Lions QB Matthew Stafford (back) is officially active for Week 16.

Fantasy Impact

Stafford will play in Sunday's matchup with Minnesota despite his lingering back ailment. In a tough matchup with a depleted supporting cast, Stafford can't be trusted in fantasy championship lineups.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting Lions QB Matthew Stafford (back) is expected to play in Week 16.

Fantasy Impact

Clearly, Stafford is not right. He's been dealing with his back injury for some time now. However, despite the fact, the tough-guy signal caller is expected to be on the field to play the spoiler in a tough matchup against the Vikings, whose playoff hopes are on the line. With a depleted supporting cast, plus the aforementioned injury of his own, Stafford is best left on fantasy benches in Week 16. Stafford is on pace to finish with his worst statistical season since an injury-shortened 2010 campaign.