Detroit Lions

For all their problems, the Lions enjoy the spoils of NOT having a quarterback controversy. In fact, to many a Detroit fan, Stafford languishes in the cold north with almost no recognition for the job he does every year as he attempts to drag the team to relevance again. This was more true than ever in 2019.

Yes, the former Georgia Bulldog missed half the season. But in the half he did play, he found himself on pace for nearly 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. Stafford had distinctly eclipsed his career bests in several areas, sitting at 8.6 yards per attempt and a passer rating over 100 (106.0) for the first time in his career prior to losing the back half of the season to a major back injury.

Fortunately, the team will see the return of all of his key targets; Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones figure to record another season as one of the best receiving tandems in the league, and T.J. Hockenson is expected to improve substantially in his sophomore campaign. The running back room will also see a major influx of talent, as the hopefully healthy Kerryon Johnson can now rest easier with the explosiveness of rookie D’Andre Swift also figuring to draw attention.

If early 2019 was an indicator, Stafford has the potential to drag this Lions team back to the postseason with strong performances around him. Expect a resurgence from the former 5,000-yard passer; the team only went 3-4-1 in his eight games in 2019, but eventually, his sheer force of numbers figures to vault the team back into Wild Card consideration.