Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Michael Penix Jr.

Monday, May 5, 2:25 PM

The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford finally finalized terms on his new deal for the 2025 season, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Stafford will earn $44 million this year, with $4 million already paid and the other $40 million fully guaranteed. The Rams were exploring the possibility of trading Stafford this offseason, but instead the two sides worked something out to keep him in L.A. for at least one more season. The 37-year-old two-time Pro Bowler threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 regular-season starts but had the Rams peaking in the postseason, and they almost pulled off the upset over the eventual Super Bowl-champion Eagles in the playoffs. Although Stafford makes the Rams a Super Bowl contender and he was much better down the stretch, he wasn't even a top-15 fantasy QB in 2024. Consider him as no more than a midrange QB2 in fantasy.

Sunday, January 5, 5:07 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. went 21-for-38 with 312 yards, two passing scores and an interception during their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix added five yards and score on his lone carry. After averaging just 212.5 passing yards during the first two games of his career, Penix enjoyed a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, despite falling just short to the Panthers. The Washington product leaned on his top wideout Drake London as he threw to him 18 times. London also brought in both his touchdown passes and finished the day with 187 receiving yards. The 24-year-old has tallied four total touchdowns over his first three NFL games but sits with a 1-2 record, with both of his losses coming in overtime. Fantasy managers should expect Penix to be in the driver's seat to open as the team's starting QB in 2025.