Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Anthony Richardson Sr.

Saturday, July 26, 7:25 PM

According to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) won't practice next week. Fortunately, the signal-caller didn't suffer a setback. Still, with McVay indicating that the team "will take it a week at a time," the uncertainty surrounding Stafford's return date won't sit well with fantasy managers. He appeared in 16 games for the Rams last season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight picks while completing 65.8% of his attempts. Despite Stafford's age, he continues to play at an acceptable level, making him a viable starting option in Superflex formats. The hope is he'll be available for Week 1. However, if the 37-year-old isn't ready to go when the Rams host the Texans on September 7, Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett will presumably be under center. Either quarterback would be a step down from Stafford, which wouldn't be ideal for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. For now, Stafford should be considered week-to-week.

Saturday, July 26, 7:44 PM

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. "was with the starters to begin 11-on-11 work" on Saturday, with Daniel Jones working with the second team. Both players will continue to compete for the starting job throughout training camp and into Week 1. However, it appears Richardson has the early edge, although that can certainly change moving forward. The signal-caller has struggled since entering the National Football League as the No. 4 overall selection in the 2023 draft, throwing for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while adding 111 carries for 635 yards and 10 scores. With that in mind, Richardson's durability is an issue, appearing in 15 regular-season games in his first two seasons, so he may need to rely more on his arm during the 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, he's completed only 50.6% of his throws, which could make that more difficult. At any rate, managers should monitor things in the weeks ahead, but it's safe to say neither player can be trusted fully to spearhead a fantasy team.