Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Baker Mayfield

Saturday, December 6, 9:43 AM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is looking to bounce back after playing his worst game of the season last Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. In the Rams' loss to the Panthers, Stafford broke an eight-game turnover-free streak as he was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble. This was his first multi-turnover game of the year, as well as his first three-turnover performance since Week 1 of the 2022 season. Needless to say, Week 13 was an uncharacteristic showing for Stafford, who had previously been neck-and-neck with Drake Maye in the race for MVP. Despite the blemish, the 37-year-old still ranks as the overall QB6 in fantasy scoring this year. He should return to top-five form against the Arizona Cardinals, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2025 but have also surrendered the ninth-most total scoring to opposing offenses. Stafford ranks as the overall QB3 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings and should be started in all leagues.

Thursday, December 4, 5:37 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to manage an AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder that he suffered in Week 12, but he was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after putting in a limited session on Wednesday. In the Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Mayfield went 18-for-28 passing for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while running for 27 yards. The 30-year-old veteran might be dealing with his left-shoulder injury the rest of the year, but he will be active for a Week 14 divisional contest this Sunday against the 2-10 New Orleans Saints. Don't be fooled by the Saints' record. Their defense is their strength, and they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs the last three weeks. In the first meeting with New Orleans, Mayfield went 15-for-24 passing for 152 yards with no TDs or interceptions. He'll be in play as a low-end QB1 in fantasy this weekend, and he could be getting top receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) back from IR.