MatthewStafford

News: 2 days agoStafford completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while rushing twice for minus-1 yard during the Rams' 27-7 Week 1 loss to the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

Spin: The reigning NFL MVP looked anything but during a shockingly poor performance by his side of the ball, and Stafford finished with his lowest passing yardage total since Week 11 of last season. The veteran signal-caller tossed his one interception shortly before the halfway point of the second quarter on a pass intended for Puka Nacua just inside the 49ers' 15-yard line, a play that was costly both from the standpoint of the potential scoring opportunity it short-circuited and the fact it led to a San Francisco touchdown. Stafford's first chance to atone comes in a Week 2 home matchup against what is expected to be a fearsome Giants pass rush on Monday night, Sept. 21.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: The reigning NFL MVP, Stafford returns for his 18th NFL season and his fifth with the Rams. The 38-year-old is fresh off an elite season in which he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, which allowed him nine top-10 fantasy weeks (tied for third most at the position). Stafford's third-place finish in fantasy points per game was his first top-10 finish since 2019, and some regression is likely due to a complete lack of rushing (65 or fewer rushing yards in five straight seasons and one rushing touchdown since 2017). Stafford still has receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and a strong offensive line at his disposal, so another big passing season is possible. That's just enough to keep him in the fringe QB1 mix.