Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Bryce Young

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, June 28, 11:07 AM

The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has shown an increased comfort level in his second year in head coach Dave Canales' offensive system, especially when he carved up the first-team defense in the red zone during minicamp. Young's intensity also caught the eyes and ears of media members this offseason. Pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney said that Young needed to play with more energy last year, and the former first overall pick has engaged in trash-talk sessions with cornerback Jaycee Horn. The 23-year-old was pretty bad in his first year and a half, but he looked different down the stretch in 2024 after being benched and threw seven TDs and no picks in his final three games. He's going to need to improve his accuracy and decision-making to take the next step in Year 3, but Young at least showed some signs to give fantasy managers hope that he can be a solid QB2 with upside.