RADIO
Matthew Stafford Delivers a Season-Opening Letdown in Australia
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 15 of his 25 pass attempts (60% completion rate) for 155 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. He didn't take a sack in the contest. That stat line would be subpar for any quarterback, but it's especially frustrating for a veteran passer who won the league MVP award last season while having Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal. Stafford was unable to keep the Rams in this game for long, and he ended up getting replaced by Stetson Bennett once the score got out of hand. There's no real excuse for this performance, but if it's any consolation, managers should expect him to play a little better once he's not traveling to Australia and turning around to play a football game less than 24 hours later. The Rams will return to the United States soon, giving Stafford 11 days to get back on track before his next game against the New York Giants in Week 2. Largely thanks to his supporting cast, Stafford remains a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback for the time being.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford a High-Floor, Late-Round QB Option Entering 2026
The reigning NFL MVP, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, is coming off a season in which he completed 65.0% of his pass attempts for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Entering 2026, it's reasonable to believe that the 38-year-old's numbers are poised to regress. Stafford's touchdown rate spiked to a career-high 7.7% last season, well above his career mark of 4.8%. Still, Stafford remains in an ideal situation for success in Los Angeles. The Rams have a solid offensive line, an elite wide receiver duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and arguably the NFL's best play-caller in head coach Sean McVay. At his average draft position of a low-end fantasy QB1, Stafford profiles as a high-floor pick with some upside for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford Remains a QB1 Despite Lack of Rushing Upside
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a top-three finish in fantasy football, and he should remain a strong QB1 option as long as he has Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal. Now 38, Stafford has shown no signs of slowing down. He won the league MVP award last year with 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions to his name. His lack of rushing ability may prevent him from being the overall QB1, but he certainly has a chance to replicate last year's QB3 mark. One factor to consider is a potential suspension to Puka Nacua, which could sideline him for one or multiple games. However, in the one game that Nacua missed last year, Stafford threw for five touchdowns. In the end, we're not overly concerned about his fantasy outlook if Nacua (or Davante Adams, for that matter) has a short-term absence. He's somewhat of a steal at his current ADP of 104.9, which makes him the 12th quarterback off the board in fantasy drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rams Still Undecided on Backup QB Job After Preseason Finale
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay did not commit to rookie first-round quarterback Ty Simpson or Stetson Bennett as the No. 2 QB behind starter Matthew Stafford after the team's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, according to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com. "Not pigeon-holing myself into any sort of decision other than I feel really good about Stetson Bennett, feel really good about Ty Simpson," McVay said. Bennett did not play on Thursday night, while Simpson played the first half and then briefly returned toward the end of the game after Matthew Caldwell left with a knee injury. Bennett went 23-for-37 for 291 yards in his two preseason games, with two carries for nine yards and two rushing touchdowns. Simpson, meanwhile, went 47-for-60 passing for 382 yards and three touchdown passes in his three preseason contests. The Rams clearly took Simpson in the first round in April to be the heir apparent to Stafford, who could be in his final season in 2026, but to begin his rookie campaign, it wouldn't be surprising if McVay goes with the more experienced Bennett as Stafford's backup.
Source: TheRams.com - Stu Jackson
Source: TheRams.com - Stu Jackson
Ty Simpson Wraps Up His First NFL Preseason
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson completed 18 of his 23 pass attempts for 119 yards, one touchdown, zero turnovers, and zero sacks during Thursday's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. While the first-round rookie didn't have extremely staggering passing numbers, it's still quite encouraging that he posted a 78.3% completion rate and didn't have any turnovers or sacks. Simpson played a role in all three preseason games for the Rams, finishing the preseason with 382 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and zero sacks. For now, he'll ride the bench behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, but he offers spectacular insurance in case Stafford gets hurt or for when he eventually chooses to retire. He ranks as the QB26 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rams Still Haven't Settled Backup Quarterback Job
The Los Angeles Rams still haven't settled on who will back up Matthew Stafford this season. Sean McVay said Monday that he has not made a decision between Stetson Bennett IV and rookie Ty Simpson and is still working through how the quarterback reps will be divided Thursday against the Chargers, though Simpson will play. Bennett has held the inside track throughout camp, taking first-team reps on Stafford's rest days and most of the second-team work when Stafford practices. He also led scoring drives on four of five first-half possessions against New Orleans on Saturday and ran for two touchdowns. Simpson has made his own case, completing 29 of 37 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns without an interception through two preseason games. Neither has been named the No. 2 yet. Thursday's preseason finale gives McVay one more look at the quarterback room before the Rams set their Week 1 depth chart.
Source: Sarah Barshop
Source: Sarah Barshop
Ty Simpson Efficient Once Again in Preseason Action
Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed eight of 12 passes for 73 yards in the Rams' 34-0 preseason blowout of the New Orleans Saints. Simpson has been mistake-free in both preseason games, completing 29 of 37 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Sean McVay said, "I thought Ty did a good job being efficient in the second half." The 13th overall pick is expected to sit behind former MVP Matthew Stafford in 2026 and develop before becoming the quarterback of the future after Stafford retires. Currently ranked QB38 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Simpson is unlikely to be a key fantasy contributor unless Stafford is injured this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams' Connection On Point
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's connection with wide receiver Davante Adams has been on point this offseason. According to The Athletic's Nate Atkins, Stafford and Adams excelled in joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, connecting on two touchdowns and on crossers and slants over the middle. After Stafford missed all of training camp last season with a back issue, he and Adams struggled, especially early in the season. Now, with a full offseason and star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) not practicing, Stafford is finding Adams all across the field in camp. Adams had only 789 yards in 14 games last season but scored a league-high 14 receiving touchdowns. If Nacua's injury or possible suspension lingers into the season, Adams could be an elite option at wide receiver.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Ty Simpson Lives Up to the Hype in Preseason Debut
Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of his 25 pass attempts for 190 yards, two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Saturday's preseason contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams shocked the world when they selected Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the keys to the offense still belong to Matthew Stafford for now, the rookie showed that he can play pro football at a high level. Throwing for two touchdowns is impressive, but we're even more encouraged by his stellar 84% completion rate in a game where neither Puka Nacua nor Davante Adams played. Dynasty managers should feel reassured that Simpson has high-end QB2 or low-end QB1 potential once Stafford's playing days are over. That may require some patience, but the upside is indisputable.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Matthew Stafford's QB3 Finish Will Be Hard to Repeat
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford put together an MVP season at 37, throwing for an NFL-high 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns while finishing as the QB3 on a per-game basis. The offense around him is still loaded. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are back, and Los Angeles led the league in both scoring and total offense last season. The bigger question is how many of those touchdowns Stafford can bring with him into 2026. His touchdown rate jumped to 7.7% last year after sitting at 4.8% for his career, and his fantasy scoring still comes almost entirely through the air. Stafford is now 38, which is another reason not to treat last season as the new baseline. He has looked sharp during camp, with the Rams managing his workload to keep him fresh for Week 1. RotoBaller ranks Stafford 96th overall and QB14. There is still plenty here for another productive season, but drafting him as a QB2 makes more sense than chasing last year's QB3 finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ty Simpson Set for Preseason Debut
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson will play in the team's first preseason game, head coach Sean McVay told reporters Saturday. McVay said the rookie will "definitely" see action, while he has not decided whether Stetson Bennett IV will play. Simpson was the 13th overall pick in April and is competing with Bennett for the backup job behind Matthew Stafford. The Alabama product started all 15 games last season, completing 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Bennett received more of the second-team work early in camp, so the preseason should give Simpson a valuable chance to make up ground and show how quickly he is settling into McVay's offense. Stafford remains firmly atop the depth chart, but Simpson's first NFL game action will be worth watching for dynasty and Superflex managers.
Source: Sarah Barshop
Source: Sarah Barshop
Ty Simpson Battling for the QB2 Job in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett IV split reps evenly in training camp practice on Friday, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. With Rams QB1 Matthew Stafford resting on Friday, Atkins reports that Simpson had an "eventful day with some highs and lows." Los Angeles selected Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns across 15 games in his final collegiate season at Alabama. As long as Stafford stays healthy in 2026, Simpson is highly unlikely to see the field for any significant stretch in his rookie season. However, given where they drafted him, it appears Los Angeles views Simpson as its quarterback of the future. Simpson's dynasty value could fluctuate significantly based on how he performs in training camp and the preseason.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Matthew Stafford Healthy, Set for Modified Camp Schedule
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy but will follow a modified practice schedule during training camp, according to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com. Sean McVay said Stafford will sit out Sunday and will not practice on Days 1 and 3 of the team's four-day blocks. The third day is more mental than physical, while the overall plan is designed to keep the 38-year-old fresh and ready for Week 1. The scheduled rest is not tied to a new injury or setback. Stafford is coming off an MVP season in which he started all 17 games, led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, and threw eight interceptions. His planned absences should not change his fantasy outlook as long as he remains healthy and continues working on the Rams' schedule.
Source: Stu Jackson
Source: Stu Jackson
Rams, Ty Simpson Agree to Terms on Rookie Contract
The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick in April's NFL draft, agreed to terms on his rookie contract on Saturday, and he's signing a four-year, $25.4 million fully guaranteed deal with a fifth-year option, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Simpson will receive a $14.9 million signing bonus. The Rams surprised everyone when they selected the University of Alabama product in the first round, and he will be immediately competing for the backup role in L.A. behind MVP Matthew Stafford with Stetson Bennett. Given the draft capital the Rams used and the money they are dishing out, we'd expect Simpson to win the backup job going into his rookie season in the NFL. Ideally, the Rams hope to develop Simpson for the next two seasons before they hand him the starting role as the heir apparent to Stafford in head coach Sean McVay's offense. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can ignore Simpson, while in dynasty/keeper leagues, he's a long-term upside stash.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Matthew Stafford a Prime Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Ahead of 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford put together a dominant season in 2025, completing 65.0% of his pass attempts for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions across 17 games. By measure of per-game scoring, Stafford finished the year as the QB3 behind only Josh Allen and Drake Maye. However, fantasy managers may be wise to project regression from Stafford in 2026. For one, the veteran signal-caller is entering his age-38 season. Secondly, Stafford's production in 2025 was fueled by a spike in his touchdown rate to 7.7%, which is well above his career mark of 4.8%. Because Stafford provides zero fantasy production with his legs, his profile is extremely reliant on passing touchdowns. With a 3.9% touchdown rate in 2024, Stafford finished the year as the QB25 in per-game scoring. In dynasty formats, managers should explore selling high on Stafford now, while his value is likely at its peak.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
