Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Gardner Minshew

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, January 28, 2:31 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew (knee) didn't tear his ACL as initially feared, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Minshew suffered only a bone bruise and did not require surgery. The veteran signal-caller avoided any long-term damage to his knee and is already back to full strength as he heads into free agency in 2026. Minshew was forced into action late in the season after Patrick Mahomes (knee) tore his ACL in Week 15. In his first start of the season in Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, Minshew injured his left knee and missed the final few games of the year. The 29-year-old was initially believed to have a torn ACL before the Chiefs said he had a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture. This news might make it more likely that Minshew returns to KC as QB insurance for Mahomes again. In four appearances in 2025, Minshew went 6-for-13 for 37 yards with one interception.