Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Baker Mayfield

Wednesday, December 17, 11:36 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to play at a high level, but he'll be without one of his favorite weapons for Thursday's Week 16 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for the primetime contest, which means that Stafford will have to find a new favorite target around the goal line. Adams has been an elite touchdown threat this season, accounting for 14 of Stafford's 37 touchdowns so far. Puka Nacua will continue to be Stafford's most-involved receiver on Thursday, and Colby Parkinson should also continue to earn more opportunities at the tight end position. Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield could earn more snaps at wide receiver alongside Nacua. While losing Adams certainly hurts Stafford's fantasy value, the veteran quarterback should still be able to post low-end QB1 fantasy value with Nacua, Parkinson, and other key pass-catchers at his disposal. Managers should perhaps be more concerned about the matchup, as the Seahawks have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. They also have the fourth-most interceptions. Stafford ranks as the overall QB12 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 16.

Friday, December 12, 12:14 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 19 of his 34 pass attempts for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Thursday's Week 15 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. He also took five sacks in the defeat. Mayfield was decent for most of the game, but he threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter that allowed the Falcons to mount an improbable comeback. The 30-year-old has really struggled to hit his receivers in the back half of the season, completing just 54.7% of his passes over the Bucs' last five games. He ranks 21st among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game during that span. Managers will hope that he can bounce back in a key divisional battle against the Panthers next week, but it won't be easy. Carolina has intercepted five passes over its last two games. Mayfield remains outside the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks for the time being.