Calvin Johnson Ankle Injury: How Is Matthew Stafford's Fantasy Value Affected?

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson was not at practice on Thursday as he is struggling with a minor ankle sprain. He rolled the ankle during the team's 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.

Johnson didn't practice on Wednesday, either. However, there really isn't a concern that he'll miss this Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Frankly, I think Megatron has reached a point where he doesn't need to practice to play.

If you've got Matthew Stafford, don't worry about this altering his fantasy value. When you factor in the Chiefs defense—which lost Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry for the season in the team's Week 1 loss—Stafford suddenly moves to the "must start" list.

Stafford looked great in Week 1, completing 24-of-33 passes for 305 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception against the Bucs. Meanwhile, the Chiefs were torched by Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick for 208 yards and four touchdowns in their 41-7 Week 1 loss.

Fitzpatrick isn't as good as Stafford, and he doesn't have half the weapons at his disposal. Stafford also managed to spread the ball around to nine receivers and looked incredibly comfortable in the pocket. It was really hard to watch him play on Sunday and not come away being very impressed.

If you have Stafford on your roster, you need to start him this week. A gimpy ankle won't keep Johnson out and even if he is slowed, Stafford will find other ways to get it done.