Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Patrick Mahomes

Saturday, October 18, 9:36 AM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been terrific this season, ranking as the overall QB10 in fantasy football. While he has a long track record of success in the NFL and has proven that this season's results are no joke, managers should temper expectations with the veteran signal caller this week. First of all, he will be without Puka Nacua (ankle), who is the heart and soul of Los Angeles' receiving corps. That will leave Davante Adams as the de facto No. 1 receiver. While Adams is dominant, too, he hasn't flashed the strongest rapport with Stafford, which could be an issue now that he's in a bigger role. Furthermore, Stafford will be tasked with overcoming the challenges of international travel; he arrives in London on Saturday and will take on the Jaguars just one day later. Both of these factors reduce Stafford's fantasy value, but he still cracks the top 12. It helps that Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season, as well as the 11th-most fantasy points to the position. Stafford is a low-end QB1 for this week.

Friday, October 17, 8:54 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Mahomes had another dazzling performance in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, passing for 257 yards and three touchdowns with a 73.3% completion rate. The Chiefs quarterback also added 32 yards and a score on the ground against the Lions. After another great game, Mahomes is the highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy through the first six weeks. The 30-year-old should be able to keep the momentum rolling in Week 7 against the Raiders. The Raiders have not been a great matchup for quarterbacks, allowing the eighth-fewest points to the position, but that shouldn't be an issue for Mahomes with the return of Rashee Rice this week. The team's presumed WR1 is set to make his 2025 debut after a six-game suspension, and that can only help Mahomes continue to produce. The Chiefs are favored by nearly two touchdowns, so this isn't expected to be a competitive matchup, but there is reason for optimism. Kansas City has the highest neutral pass rate in the league, so if they're scoring points, it's likely coming from Mahomes' arm. Mahomes is ranked QB1 in our RotoBaller rankings, so roll him out with confidence this weekend.