Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Ameer Abdullah's Post-Week 12 Fantasy Advice

The Detroit Lions offense exploded on Thanksgiving Thursday in a 45-14 Week 12 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Those fantasy owners who were fortunate enough to deploy quarterback Matthew Stafford and star receiver Calvin Johnson saw humongous returns. Lions rookie running back Ameer Abdullah also flashed well, but it was Detroit's two other backs who found paydirt.   

Read on for final Week 12 stats and updated fantasy advice on Stafford, Johnson and Abdullah in the aftermath of the third straight victory for the once-reeling Lions.       

Matthew Stafford

Pass/Att./Yds	Rush/Yds	TD/INT	Fantasy Points
27/38/337	2/13	5/0	34

Since the Lions fired Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator, the rushing attack and overall play-calling have improved under Jim Bob Cooter, which has helped Stafford immensely.

The cannon-armed QB explained after Thursday's game, per the Fox broadcast, how Detroit changed a lot of terminology and installed new concepts on the fly. It seemed to culminate in everything clicking in Week 12 despite being on a short week.

After winning the prior two contests by putting just 18 points on the board in each, the Lions showed on Thanksgiving how dangerous they can be when their numerous playmakers realize their potential.

Stafford has been among the NFL's leaders in pass attempts in recent seasons and is always a consideration for two-QB fantasy formats. With a Green Bay Packers defense on deck that ranks 23rd against the pass, expect Stafford to put up another 300-yard performance.

Green Bay is eighth in scoring defense, though, so Stafford is still a considerable risk-reward roto play against the Packers and beyond.

Calvin Johnson

Rec/Targets	Yds	TD	Fantasy Points
8/14	93	3	27

Those who have questioned whether Johnson has lost a step may be eating their words to a degree following Megatron's three-touchdown outing in Week 12.

Granted, Philadelphia stubbornly stuck to press man-to-man coverage, which allowed Johnson to leverage his huge frame (6'5", 237 lbs), shield defenders and produce at a tremendous clip. Former Cleveland Browns QB Bernie Kosar recognized the Eagles' questionable tactics:

But Johnson has been stringing together exceptional performances of late. Over the past six games, he has 35 receptions on 58 targets for 599 yards. His lowest yardage output in that span was 81, so Johnson has been consistent and should be counted on as a WR1 in all formats.

Ameer Abdullah

Rush	Yards	TD	Rec./Targets	Yards	TD	Fantasy Points
16	63	0	1/2	12	0	7

As mentioned in the introduction, Abdullah failed to find the end zone in Week 12. Joique Bell got the carry on a one-yard, fourth-quarter TD, while pass-catching specialist Theo Riddick had an eight-yard scoring reception to begin the scoring Thursday and had five grabs for 62 yards.

Abdullah logged the most carries by far compared to Bell's seven and Riddick's two, but the latter two backs have specialties and are favored in certain situations over the first-year pro. This by-committee approach significantly limits Abdullah's fantasy upside.

In keeper leagues, it's well worth holding on to Abdullah. He also figures to garner more touches down the stretch as he builds confidence and a greater understanding of the Lions' system.