Player Comparisons: Matthew Stafford vs Mark Sanchez

Which one of these rookie quarterbacks will be the better fantasy option in the future?

Both Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez are having mediocre seasons, but because they are rookies and the fact that both have shown the ability to run an NFL offense at times times this season, I think most fans are expecting at least one of them to become a solid player down the line.

Neither was drafted in most leagues, but as QBs have gone down here and there throughout the season, it’s become a toss-up as to which one fantasy owners should pick up.

Let’s take a look at their numbers so far this season:

Stafford (through 9 games):

Sanchez (through 11 games):

Both of these guys have thrown a bunch of INTs, but that’s to be expected from rookie QBs on young, developing teams.

It’s pretty obvious that the Lions want a pass-first offense. Stafford has thrown 30 or more passes in every game he’s started, and 40+ in his last four games. I think that will actually help him down the line becuase a lot of those throws he’s having problems with now will be automatic in a year or two.

Sanchez started out the season pretty well, but since Week 6 he’s been intercepted twelve times and only thrown five touchdowns. I think the problem had more to do with the Jets being forced to throw the ball than Sanchez’s lack of skills. It still makes me wonder whether or not he’ll be able to put up solid numbers through an entire season in the next couple of years.

Remaining Schedules
Stafford – @CIN, @BAL, ARI, @SF, CHI
Sanchez – @BUF, @TB, ATL, @IND, CIN

If healthy, look for Stafford to have a nice game against the Cardinals at home and Sanchez to beat up the Falcons secondary in a couple of weeks. It wouldn’t be the worst idea to pick either one of them up for those matchups if you don’t have a better option on your team.

So, which one will be the guy to contribute more next year and beyond?

I’m thinking Stafford will be the better fantasy QB. Not necessarily because he’s the more talented player – I actually think they are pretty even – but because he will have Calvin Johnson to throw to for a while and, as I mentioned before, the Lions like to throw the ball more than the Jets do. Johnson is the kind of threat that opens up the field for a quarterback. It also helps that he seems to really like Stafford as his QB.

I like Braylon Edwards, but he’s just too inconsistent. If he can put it all together again like he did a few years ago, Sanchez could definitely keep up with Stafford. Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller are nice receivers to have, too, but the Jets will probably need to get another key offensive player or two to help Sanchez out.

I really do like both of these guys because they have that leadership quality that every team wants in their QBs. They’re also both very confident for rookies. These things will only help them as they get more experience in the NFL. I’m thinking at least one of them will be a top 10 fantasy QB next year.