NFL 2017: 10 players with the most to prove

8. Matt Stafford

A season without Calvin Johnson, and Matt Stafford took the Detroit Lions to the playoffs. Not only the playoffs but damn near won the division. This year presents another challenge for the veteran quarterback as the lack of a running game eventually became Stafford’s undoing. The biggest thing for Stafford and this Lions team is to build off this past season.

The last time they’d reached the playoffs, the Lions followed that up with a 7-9 finish in the NFC North. With Minnesota nipping at their heels and Green Bay being the top dog in the division, a third-place finish will be a major step back for a team that’s good enough to reach the postseason again. Stafford’s play will be a major part in deciding that.

7. Dak Prescott

Dak is the guy for Dallas Cowboys. All eyes are on him. Regardless if Tony Romo is there or not, Prescott is no longer looking over his shoulder and wondering if his run will end. While Zeke Elliott has established himself as one of the biggest weapons in the Cowboys arsenal, 2017 is a year that Dak can join him. While Dak’s 2016 was very good for a rookie, this campaign will be all about avoiding the sophomore slump.

The NFL is smart and creative when it comes to figuring out guys who have a breakout season. With 31 other teams in the league, someone will have a plan to stop Prescott. It’s on Dak and the Cowboys’ offensive brass to figure out how he can take Dallas a few steps further.