Fantasy Football 2015: Top 20 Quarterbacks

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warm-up prior to facing the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

14. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford has all the tools to be a great quarterback, but for one reason or another he doesn’t deliver often enough. 

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Protecting the football better was an emphasis of his game in 2014, and he found success in this area, throwing a career-best 12 interceptions. The biggest problem for Stafford was this took away some of the best parts of his game.

His 4,257 yards was the lowest he’s posted in seasons where he has played every game. In the past, his gunslinging style may result in interceptions, but it would also be a source of big completions.

Stafford needs to find a balance between taking risks and protecting the football, and we could see this in 2015.

There’s plenty of talent surrounding him in Detroit. Calvin Johnson is still on the league’s best receivers and is almost impossible to cover; Golden Tate played his best football last season.

Ameer Abdullah is a player to watch out for this season. The second round draft choice out of Nebraska can burn teams on the ground, but can also be used in the passing game.

Stafford can be a frustrating fantasy player at times, but he is a talented quarterback leading a stacked offense. If he can replicate the form he showed in 2011, he will be one of the best fantasy pickups.

Next: No. 13