Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Brett Rypien

Monday, February 2, 12:32 PM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will not require offseason surgery for a herniated disc in his back, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Stafford's availability for the start of the 2025 season was in question due to his back injury, but not only was he ready, but he played at an MVP level, throwing for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions in the regular season. It was something that the Rams managed throughout the year. The 37-year-old veteran is still on the fence about his playing future, but he's leaning towards returning for an 18th NFL campaign in 2026. If Stafford does return, he'll have QB1 expectations from fantasy managers with both receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams returning. However, there will also be considerable injury risk for a player at his age near the tail end of his career.

Wednesday, December 10, 11:12 AM

The Indianapolis Colts have signed quarterback Brett Rypien to the active 53-man roster from the practice squad, according to the team's official website. Rypien joined the Colts' practice squad in Week 7 after third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) was placed on Injured Reserve. The 29-year-old signal-caller was in line to be the Colts' starter after Daniel Jones (Achilles) suffered a season-ending torn Achilles and rookie Riley Leonard (knee) suffered a Grade 1 PCL sprain in Week 14. However, the Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement on Tuesday, and he is expected to start for the Colts as soon as this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rypien will likely serve as a backup behind Rivers or Leonard (if he is healthy enough to play in Week 15). If the journeyman signal-caller does wind up starting, Rypien would only be worth fantasy consideration in deep superflex and two-QB leagues.