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, February 24, 1:14 PM
The Atlanta Falcons continue to be non-commital on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) being their starter under center in 2026, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "I'm not big on giving out positions in February. I think you guys know how I feel about Michael, and I'm excited about his trajectory. I also know he's focused on his rehab, which is the right thing to do," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Penix is recovering from a torn left ACL in 2025, so it's understandable for Atlanta's new front office and coaching staff to be non-committal on him going into next season. Penix expects to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall, but the reality is we won't have a better idea of his availability until this summer. The former first-rounder wasn't all that impressive in 2025 before his injury, and he's now rehabbing from his third torn ACL. Penix is determined to heal up and return as the starter, but he'll have to prove it to the team's new brass first. Now might be a perfect time to buy low on Penix in dynasty/keeper leagues, although his injury history dating back to college is worrisome.
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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