Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold

Wednesday, October 15, 2:11 AM

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford posted disappointing fantasy results in Week 6, largely due to the extreme positive game script against the Baltimore Ravens. Los Angeles won the game by running the ball and draining the clock, which meant Stafford didn't have to throw the ball much. He also suffered from the brief exit of teammate Puka Nacua (ankle), who didn't like his normal self even when he returned. While Nacua could be sidelined against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7, Stafford is still a strong candidate to bounce back in a game that should feature more of a neutral game script. The veteran lacks rushing upside but is still the overall QB10 in fantasy football this season. He should be rostered in all leagues at this point, so if he's still available on waivers, add him before it's too late.

Tuesday, October 14, 4:59 PM

Fantasy managers were understandably skeptical as to whether quarterback Sam Darnold could follow up his outstanding 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings this year after heading to the NFC West to play for the Seattle Seahawks. Through six weeks with his new team, it's clear that the former third overall pick out of USC is picking up where he left off. The 28-year-old continued to play well in Week 6 against a ball-hawking Jacksonville Jaguars defense and finished just shy of 300 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Darnold has latched onto star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as his go-to target, and it's working. Since a mediocre 150-yard, no-touchdown performance in Week 1, Darnold has thrown for multiple touchdowns in five games and has gone 98-for-138 for 1,391 yards, 11 TDs, and three picks. He continues to be aggressive downfield and should at least be rostered in every fantasy league as a high-end QB2 going forward. He'll really be tested in Week 7 against a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs through five games.