Michigan Sports Bettors Are Backing Matthew Stafford, But Should Lions Fans Be Rooting For Him?

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If you’ve somehow missed the news, Matthew Stafford has made it to the NFC Championship.

Regrettably, Detroit Lions fans must face the fact that Stafford is now experiencing his inaugural title game with the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite this, Michigan sports bettors have continued to show their support for the former Lions QB, while others remain unenthusiastic.

Is it advisable for Lions fans to support Stafford’s journey? Did Detroit make a mistake by letting him go?

Michigan bettors behind Matthew Stafford

It has become evident in the NFL Playoffs that Michigan sports bettors are unquestionably supporting Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.

BetMGM Sportsbook reported that in Michigan, Rams money line tickets and handle experienced a 10% increase compared to the national average during their game against Tampa Bay last weekend. Additionally, in the Super Bowl market, 51% of Michigan tickets are favoring the Rams, while the national average stands at only 33%.

In terms of Super Bowl MVP wagers nationwide, Stafford is the seventh-most bet-on player according to DraftKings Sportsbook. However, in Michigan specifically, he holds the fourth position in MVP wagers.

Should Lions fans be cheering on Stafford despite Michigan sports bettors putting their money behind him?

According to the lead writer, Drew Ellis, the answer is no. However, the managing editor, Paul Costanzo, is still proudly wearing a Stafford jersey.

Drew Ellis: Matthew Stafford succeeding doesn’t help the Lions

In essence, the success of the Rams has a direct negative effect on the Lions.

The first round pick for the 2022 NFL Draft originally belonging to the Rams is now owned by Detroit. The pick’s position in the draft has been pushed further back depending on how far the Rams have progressed. Initially, it could have been as high as No. 23, but now it can only be as good as No. 29.

Although some may argue that this change isn’t significant, it still carries negative implications. It has the potential to affect the Lions’ chances of drafting a particular prospect and could also impact their trade value if they were considering making a move.

Winning does not bring any positive outcome for the Detroit Lions when it comes to Matthew Stafford.

Paul Costanzo: Stafford fandom is an emotional decision, not a logical one

Drew’s intention to employ logic in his arguments is regrettable due to two reasons: 1. Sports fandom does not rely on logical reasoning; 2. It is illogical for any rational person to persist in supporting the Lions.

My enduring loyalty as a Lions fan, spanning nearly four decades, is rooted in emotional attachment. Throughout this time, I have learned to cherish even the tiniest triumphs, as they remain scarce in our team’s history.

Over the years, I have developed strong emotional connections with a few players, and Stafford happens to be one of them. Throughout his 12-year tenure in Detroit, he wholeheartedly poured himself into the game, delivering numerous enjoyable moments for a fanbase that seldom receives such joy.

Therefore, emotional connection outweighs any disparity in draft value towards the later part of the first round, which historically has proven to be inconsequential.

Drew: Stafford was never going to win in Detroit

Let’s pause the blame game for a moment and acknowledge the reality that Matthew Stafford was destined to face challenges in Detroit.

Although there may be numerous explanations, I am confident that this is indeed a fact.

Throughout its history, the Detroit Lions franchise has been consistently disappointing. To bring about a positive change, an exceptional individual is required to pull the team out of its struggles. Unfortunately, Matthew Stafford did not possess the qualities needed to fulfill this role.

Stafford possesses exceptional physical talents, particularly his elite arm. Nevertheless, I hold the belief that leading a struggling franchise from the bottom to a Super Bowl might be beyond Stafford’s capabilities.

I don’t mean to criticize, but I am unfamiliar with that QB. However, consider the accomplishments of Tom Brady with the New England Patriots, Brett Favre with the Green Bay Packers, or Drew Brees with the New Orleans Saints. They transformed franchises that had long been plagued by failure and successfully revamped their cultures.

Matthew Stafford lacks the necessary mindset to accomplish this task; it cannot be achieved solely through talent.

Stafford’s talent is evident in his ability to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory given the right circumstances. The Rams had already established themselves as strong contenders even before his arrival. In a notable move this year, they successfully acquired Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. without incurring significant costs.

The Lions cannot afford to do that.

Paul: Stafford proved Sunday he can put a team on his back

The conclusion of Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers brought me immense joy, as it seemed like a replay of Stafford’s Lions career, albeit on a grander scale.

Stafford witnessed a crumbling of everything around him during the second half against the Bucs. Astonishingly, his teammates carelessly lost four fumbles, causing a significant setback. Meanwhile, the defense, visibly fatigued, struggled to contain the tactical prowess of Tom Brady. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Stafford rose to the occasion, delivering his finest performance in the most crucial moment of his career.

While Stafford may not be considered an all-time great, there exists a comfortable middle ground between that distinction and being unable to guide his team to a championship. Unfortunately, many Detroit fans perceive him to fall within the latter category.

On Sunday, Stafford demonstrated his ability to lead a team when it is most crucial.

Drew: Don’t say Stafford didn’t have talent around him

One of the most exasperating narratives in the media this season has been the constant portrayal of Stafford as lacking a talented supporting cast.

Stafford was portrayed by the media as a helpless victim trapped in Detroit.

From the moment he was drafted by the franchise, Matthew Stafford consistently ranked among the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.

Furthermore, Stafford’s tenure in Detroit was not solely dependent on his individual performance.

Many times, people pointed out that the Lions lacked defensive support. Nevertheless, according to Pro Football Reference, in 2014, the Lions held the third spot in the NFL for total defense, even leading in rushing defense. Moving forward to 2016, the Lions were ranked 13th in total defense. Additionally, in both 2013 and 2018, the Lions secured positions in the top half of the league for total defense.

During his NFL career, Stafford had the privilege of playing alongside Calvin Johnson for a span of seven seasons. Johnson, an esteemed player who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first attempt, greatly contributed to Stafford’s personal record for passing yards in a season, which he achieved twice in 2011 and 2012. While Cooper Kupp has showcased his talent, it is worth noting that Johnson still holds the impressive record for most receiving yards in a single season, with an astonishing 1,964 yards in 2012.

To support Stafford, the Lions made significant investments in draft picks as well.

From 2009 onwards, the Lions have dedicated seven first round picks to bolster their offense, consisting of four offensive linemen and three tight ends, all in support of Stafford.

In addition to selecting a running back in the first round, they also utilized three second-round picks on the same position. Furthermore, during 2011 and 2012, they allocated a second-round pick towards acquiring a receiver.

Saying that the Lions didn’t try to support him is different than the picks not working out.

Paul: You should have stopped at ‘three tight ends’

This Rams team is superior in both skill and completeness compared to the Lions.

Certainly, there were years where a mere break or two could have potentially secured a playoff spot or even a much-desired playoff triumph.

Stafford had the opportunity to play alongside some exceptionally gifted players, albeit only a few. However, it would be quite a stretch to assert that the Lions ever had a legitimate chance at the Super Bowl solely due to a different quarterback.

For half a century, the Lions have been held back by the overall organization, not Stafford.

Given that we have all endured this difficult situation, including Stafford himself, I have decided to commemorate the achievements of someone who dedicated their all to the organization before departing on amicable grounds.

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