Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Andy Dalton

Tuesday, September 26, 3:16 AM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford opened the 2023 season with back-to-back 300-yard games, but talk of the 15-year veteran's rejuvenation stalled out in Week 3. In Monday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he was intercepted twice and sacked four times while going 18-for-33 for 269 yards and one touchdown. Stafford did lead the Rams into the red zone four times and got within 30 yards of the goal line twice more, but could not get the Rams across the goal line until their final possession of the game. Monday's score was just his second touchdown in 126 total pass attempts this season, the second-worst rate in the league after Ryan Tannehill. Even though Stafford has another favorable matchup against the Colts in Week 4, by now he can't be trusted to finish any higher than as a QB2.

Monday, September 25, 2:32 PM

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton completed 34 of his 58 passing attempts for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the 27-37 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. It was an impressive performance for the 35-year-old, who started in the absence of Bryce Young (ankle). Wide receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark both racked up at least 86 yards and a touchdown. If Young is out again in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Dalton will have upside in another favorable matchup for quarterbacks. However, it's important not to overreact to his big performance. He should not be started over big-name fantasy signal-callers.