I recently found the the following line that completely neutralizes the Stafford gambit, and lets white keep the pawn with a healthier structure and a calm game ahead with plenty of winning chances.
[FEN ""]
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 {The Stafford Gambit.} 5. e5!! {Now black has a couple of options} Nd5 {Is best, but rarely played.} (5... Ne4?! 6. d4 Qh4 7. Be3 {With the simple idea of Ne2, exchanging knights, and keeping the healthy pawn, the superior structure, and a calm game with winning chances.}) (5... Ng4?! 6. d4 Be6 7. h3 Nh6 8. Bxh6 gxh6 {With the simple idea of Nc3, Qd2, 0-0-0, and if black ever pushes c5 white replies with d5.}) 6. d4 Bf5 7. c3 Qd7 8. Nd2 O-O-O 9. Nf3 {With the idea to finish development and play with O-O-O, or Be3 and O-O.}
I was surprised by the very little theory required to play these lines, as well as the tameness of black's position. Since the Stafford gambit has this reputation of a heavily theoretical opening plagued with traps, and this move order seems to make black's plan innocuous, am I missing something? Is my analysis flawed?