Kyler Murray vs Matthew Stafford: Who Should You Start?
Kyler Murray and Matthew Stafford are both viable fantasy quarterbacks heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Kyler Murray averaged 16.2 PPG across 5 games with the Minnesota Vikings, while Matthew Stafford posted 21.1 PPG in 17 appearances for the Los Angeles Rams.
A 4.9-PPG gap gives Matthew Stafford the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Kyler Murray threw for 962 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Matthew Stafford posted 4707 yards and 46 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 6 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
