Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Jameis Winston

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.

Sunday, November 23, 5:24 PM

New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston completed 18 of his 36 pass attempts for 366 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Detroit Lions. He also got involved in some trickery, adding a third touchdown on a 33-yard reception that was thrown to him by wide receiver Gunner Olszewski. Winston's turnover and low completion rate were unfortunate, but his high yardage and three total touchdowns made him a valuable fantasy option once again. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who were relying on him as a streamer, Winston will head back to the bench in Week 13 if Jaxson Dart (concussion) clears concussion protocol, as expected. The offense belongs to Dart once again, but at least we've seen that Winston can be a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback if he ever gets thrust back into the starting role.