Matthew Stafford’s stock rising at rapid pace

I don't want to get ahead of myself in the preseason, but the Detroit Lions are 4-0 and Matthew Stafford is looking awfully good. Well, he better, since I have him paired with Jay Cutler as my backup in multiple leagues.

As the fantasy football draft season enters its final week, I found myself taking this draft strategy more often than not: Pass on the big-name quarterbacks and tight ends while accumulating valuable depth at the skill positions of running back and wide receiver.

We've been telling you all summer long, QB and TE are the deepest positions, especially tight end. It's tempting to take Aaron Rodgers or Michael Vick within the first two rounds, or Antonio Gates or Jason Witten with an early-round selection, but try to refrain. Trust me, it'll be worth it.

This Lion is ready to roar

The Lions are on the verge of respectability on offense this year, but everything falls on the health of Stafford.

I was skeptical of taking Stafford in my early drafts and mocks, mostly because I was wary that his shoulder might not be fully healed from offseason surgery. But after seeing him in the team's first four practice games, my stock in Stafford is rising.

The Detroit signal-caller has only suited up for 13 games in his first two seasons due to multiple shoulder ailments - he started just three games last year before hitting the shelf. Will Stafford really suffer another serious injury in his third stanza? It's possible, but I'm comfortable rolling the dice that he doesn't.

So let's just assume he'll be healthy all year. He has one of the league's most talented all-around receivers at his disposal in Calvin Johnson. Megatron is a touchdown machine. Brandon Pettigrew is an emerging tight end talent, and Nate Burleson is an underrated No. 4 fantasy wideout this year.

Stafford's numbers this preseason are jumping off the page: He went 25-for-32 for 395 yards with five TDs and no interceptions. But that's not important, those games don't count. What is important: Stafford's shoulder strength appears to be at 100 percent. He is extremely comfortable running this offense and has looked like a seasoned vet, not a virtual third-year rookie.

When Stafford is right, not many will argue that he carries the necessary traits to be a star QB in the NFL. After all, he tossed six TDs and just one INT in his three contests a year ago.

Detroit's defense - most notably their D-line - is much improved and will be putting the offense in better situations, too. If the preseason is any indication of things to come in 2011, Stafford shouldn't be ignored as, at least, a top-flight backup QB for your fantasy squad. I foresee a monster season from the 23-year-old. You'll be able to employ him as your starter in many weeks, mark my words.