Who knows? I don't think everyone felt Matt Ryan was a "can't miss" franchise QB last year, but he turned out well. Same with McNabb, Rivers, Roethlisberger, and Rodgers. Stafford has a chance to be successful. That's about all you can say.
Rivers, Big Ben, and Rodgers all came into good situations. One could argue that as it turns out Ryan did too, I think many (myself included) under estimated the Falcons last year.My problem with Stafford is his situation, which is why I think the odds are stacked against him. I'd rather gamble on Sanchez, but I don't write that with much confidence.
Please explain to me how Detroit's situation this year is any worse than Atlanta's was last year. I'm not seeing it.
Atlanta's offensive line was better than given credit for, they were decimated by injuries in 2007 and played horribly. They were still thin in 2008 but stayed healthy enough to get by, Detroit's offensive line is just plain bad. Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood proved to be an excellent 1-2 combo, Detroit lacks anything close to this.
Calvin Johnson's got Roddy White, for sure, but what's behind him? Michael Jenkins doesn't get a lot of love in fantasy circles, but he's one of the leagues better blocking WR's. I like Derrick Williams, but I don't believe he will be any better in 2009 than Harry Douglas was in 2008. Williams is more of a raw prospect. I really like Julian Peterson, but he's the only defensive player in Detroit I consider any better than mediocre, unless Sims was playing hurt last year which would explain his mediocre play. Atlanta's defense was no world beater, but they were much better than this unit. Special teams - may need some help here, Atlanta's got some dynamic returners, Detroit has a potential future one in Williams but not sure about short term, no idea how either unit is on coverage, I'll give Detroit the edge on kicker.