What to do with Matthew Stafford in Week 4 fantasy football

Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions got off the snide in Week 3 with a win against the Arizona Cardinals. This weekend, they will try to build upon their momemtum against the New Orleans Saints. Stafford put together his best fantasy box score in the desert, recording 270 yards with two passing scores and no turnovers. The Saints’ defense definitely has some holes, so Stafford will have opportunities to exceed his Week 3 output.

Fantasy Football analysis: Lions QB Matthew Stafford

Stafford was a middling fantasy option through the first couple of weeks, but you could partially attribute his so-so production to the absence of Kenny Golladay, the Lions’ alpha wideout who missed those first two games because of a hamstring injury. But Golladay returned in Week 3 and provided immediate dividends, securing six of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown while playing about 75% of the snaps. Best of all, Golladay got through the game with no further injury concerns, so fantasy owners — and Stafford — should be able to trust him going forward. Stafford should also find T.J. Hockenson open often as the Saints have been beaten badly by tight ends thus far. And in general, that defense looked toothless against Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers over the past two weeks.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Stafford is still just a low-end QB1 at best for Week 4 because he has zero rushing upside, but this is a prime spot for him. Fantasy owners shouldn’t feel scared about using him in season-long leagues or in DFS, where his price is a season-low $5,900.