Lamar Jackson vs Matthew Stafford: Who Should You Start?
Deciding between Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback put up 17.1 PPG in 2025 over 13 games; Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams averaged 21.1 in 17. A 4.0-point margin that could shift on any given week.
The per-game difference of 4.0 points favors Matthew Stafford, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one quarterback to the other.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Lamar Jackson threw for 2549 yards and 21 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.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Lamar Jackson sits Week 14 while Matthew Stafford is off Week 6. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
