Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Aidan O'Connell

Monday, October 14, 7:30 PM

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) is "doing great and he's not going to miss any time." Stafford came out of the Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers with back soreness but had the bye in Week 6 to heal up properly. Stafford could be listed on this week's injury report, but it sounds like he won't be in danger of missing the Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. It's good news for Stafford and the Rams, but LA could be without both receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) for yet another week. Nacua won't practice this week and is most likely out, while Kupp is a question mark. The matchup will be a great one for the 36-year-old signal-caller, but without his top receivers, Stafford isn't all that attractive in fantasy as a QB2. Stafford is currently the QB31 at 14.8 fantasy points per game in 2024.

Monday, October 21, 1:18 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.