Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or J.J. McCarthy
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24.2 | 7.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Matthew Stafford News
Tuesday, March 3, 11:02 AM
When asked about quarterback Matthew Stafford's contract status as he enters the final year of his deal in 2026, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said, "We've had great dialogue... We'll work through all of those things." Stafford signed a two-year, $84 million contract with the Rams in May of last year before proceeding to win 2025 MVP honors in his 17th season in the league. The three-time Pro Bowler just turned 38 years old, though, and he's essentially playing on a year-to-year basis after contemplating retirement this offseason. Still, L.A. can afford to give Stafford a raise after he threw for a league-high 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games on 597 attempts. Staying healthy for another full season will probably be Stafford's biggest challenge in 2026, but if he's on the field, he should put up big numbers again with an amazing WR duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.9 | 7.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
J.J. McCarthy News
Tuesday, February 24, 11:51 AM
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Tuesday that he still views quarterback J.J. McCarthy as a franchise signal-caller, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "A lot of those feelings are still the same. It's just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was [in 2024]," McConnell said. The Vikings drafted the 23-year-old with the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of Michigan with the intentions of him being the team's long-term QB, but it hasn't gone as planned in his first two years in the NFL. McCarthy missed all of his rookie campaign due to a knee injury that required surgery, and he was extremely inconsistent in his first 10 starts in 2025 while missing time with various injuries. He completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Decision-making and accuracy were a big issue, but durability is the primary concern for Minnesota and fantasy managers who have him rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues. There's still time for McCarthy to develop under O'Connell, one of the best QB gurus in the league, but the Vikes may bring in some competition to push him this offseason.
Matthew Stafford vs. J.J. McCarthy
Still trying to decide between Stafford and McCarthy? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Matthew Stafford is projected to score 24.2 points this week while J.J. McCarthy is projected to score 17.9 points.
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