Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Michael Penix Jr.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.2 | 9.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Michael Penix Jr. News
Tuesday, March 10, 2:06 PM
The NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that when Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) recovers from his torn ACL, it will be an "open competition" at QB between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa. Both signal-callers have struggled to stay healthy -- Penix with three torn ACLs and Tagovailoa with multiple serious concussions -- but Tagovailoa has more experience and a Pro Bowl nod under his belt in his six years in the NFL. The former fifth overall pick out of Alabama led the league in passing yards in 2023, but has struggled the last two seasons and has failed to top the 3,000-yard mark. It's low risk for the Falcons since Tagovailoa will be on a veteran's minimum in 2026, and it gives the team a chance to push Penix once he's healthy and ready to go. The problem for Penix is that if he's not physically ready to play to begin the season and Tagovailoa looks good as the starter, he might not have a chance to win the job back. It will be an interesting battle to watch later this summer in an offense with plenty of weapons now being run by a bright offensive mind in Kevin Stefanski.
Matthew Stafford vs. Michael Penix Jr.
Still trying to decide between Stafford and Penix Jr.? 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 Michael Penix Jr. is projected to score 19.2 points.
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