NFL.com contributing columnist Adam Schein released nine ‘bold predictions’ for the 2020 NFL season and is high on Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Schein used one of his predictions to state that Stafford will lead the NFL in passing yards this year.
He writes:
“It’s Year 2 in Darrell Bevell’s offense, an attack that suited Stafford quite well last fall. Detroit has a fine trio of receivers in Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola, and I think T.J. Hockenson can enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign with better health. Rookie RB D’Andre Swift was a steal in Round 2, and he’s a legit weapon in the passing game. Detroit still has issues on defense, meaning Stafford is going to be called upon to throw the ball a lot.”
It’s not too crazy to think that Stafford can do this. He’s never done it before, but he’s consistently right near the top of NFL passing leaders and already ranks 18th all-time in career passing yards.
Stafford played in eight games last year before missing the second half of the season with a back injury. But before he got injured, he was playing at an MVP caliber level. He had thrown for 2,500 yards through eight games, meaning he was on pace for a 5,000 yard season. If he kept up that pace he would have competed with Jamies Winston for the 2019 passing title. Winston finished first with 5,109 yards.
Stafford will have plenty of weapons around him in 2020, but thanks to what’s likely going to be yet another weak defense, the Lions should find themselves playing from behind quite often. That just means more yards for Stafford.