Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Brock Purdy

Saturday, October 18, 9:36 AM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been terrific this season, ranking as the overall QB10 in fantasy football. While he has a long track record of success in the NFL and has proven that this season's results are no joke, managers should temper expectations with the veteran signal caller this week. First of all, he will be without Puka Nacua (ankle), who is the heart and soul of Los Angeles' receiving corps. That will leave Davante Adams as the de facto No. 1 receiver. While Adams is dominant, too, he hasn't flashed the strongest rapport with Stafford, which could be an issue now that he's in a bigger role. Furthermore, Stafford will be tasked with overcoming the challenges of international travel; he arrives in London on Saturday and will take on the Jaguars just one day later. Both of these factors reduce Stafford's fantasy value, but he still cracks the top 12. It helps that Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season, as well as the 11th-most fantasy points to the position. Stafford is a low-end QB1 for this week.

Friday, October 17, 5:29 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) has been ruled out yet again and will not suit up for a Week 7 Sunday night clash against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Purdy initially suffered a turf-toe injury in Week 1 and missed Weeks 2 and 3 before returning to aggravate his toe in Week 4. The 25-year-old has not played since then and will miss his fifth game in the last six weeks. Former New England Patriots QB Mac Jones will take over yet again and will be looking to bounce back from last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It remains to be seen if Purdy will be able to do enough in practice next week to make his return for a Week 8 game against the Houston Texans. With Purdy out at least one more week, Jones checks in once again as a low-end QB2 play against a much-improved Falcons defense.