Stafford had "minor" thumb surgery

New Rams QB Matt Stafford didn't miss a game in 2020, but he revealed on Thursday that he battled through a bunch of injuries. “I had the partially torn UCL in my right thumb, I tore my UCL on my left elbow on the second to last play of the Houston game that nobody knew about, trying to stiff arm a guy. That's why I started wearing a sleeve on my left arm because I had all sorts of tape underneath it, just to hold it in place," Stafford said. “I broke my cartilage on my eighth rib in Green Bay. I also tore something (in the back of) my left knee. And then I had a subtalar, right ankle sprain.” Despite all that, Stafford topped 4,000 passing yards for the 8th time, while tossing 26 TDs to 10 INTs. It's unclear if he'll have any procedures to address those injuries, but we'll keep you updated. Stafford turned 33 earlier this month.

The Lions have agreed to trade QB Matthew Stafford to the Rams for QB Jared Goff plus 3 draft picks. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Rams will send a 3rd-round pick in this year's draft, plus 1st-rounders in 2022 and 2023 as part of the trade. That's quite a haul for Detroit in moving a 33-year-old QB who had requested a trade. L.A.'s desire to unload Goff's big contract likely increased the package. Once the trade becomes official (at the start of the new league year), Stafford will land in an offense that has ranked top-11 in yardage each of the 4 years under HC Sean McVay. The Rams also ranked 1st, 2nd and 11th in scoring before sinking to 22nd this past season. Goff joins a Lions team that welcomes a new coaching staff for 2021, led by run-loving HC Dan Campbell. It's a solid landing for Stafford that should preserve his fantasy value over the next couple of seasons. Goff figures to land low in QB2 territory in our 2021 fantasy football rankings. The change from Goff to Stafford should enhance the fantasy outlooks for Rams pass-catchers.

The Lions and QB Matthew Stafford have agreed to part ways this offseason, according to multiple reports. That means the team will begin exploring trade options. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that a move would likely happen before the 5th day of the new league year (which begins March 17), because Stafford will be due a $10 million bonus that day. The veteran QB has 2 years left on his contract at $43 million and is coming off a solid season that found him finishing 15th among QBs in total fantasy points. Expect Detroit to try to address the position in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. The Lions pick 7th. The uncertainty could create a "buy" window in dynasty leagues, especially considering that older QBs tend to run cheap. Stafford figures to be most attractive to a contending team seeking a QB upgrade. Chase Daniel is the only other Lions QB whose contract runs through 2021.

Lions QB Matt Stafford (rib, thumb) is active for today’s game vs. the Vikings. All sorts of banged up, Stafford is at risk of exiting this game early. But whatever he can give his team is good news for RB D’Andre Swift, WR, Marvin Jones and TE T.J. Hockenson.

Lions QB Matt Stafford (rib, thumb, ankle) is expected to start tomorrow's game vs. the Vikings, "barring any overnight setbacks," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Stafford is at risk of not making it through this game, so he's a shaky fantasy play. But whatever he can give Detroit is good news for RB D'Andre Swift, WR Marvin Jones and TE T.J. Hockenson. It also boosts the chances that this game shoots out.