Matthew Stafford vs Sam Darnold: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Matthew Stafford put up 21.1 fantasy points per game for the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, while Sam Darnold managed 14.7 across 17 games with the Seattle Seahawks. A 6.4-point weekly edge is substantial at the quarterback position.
Matthew Stafford carries a 6.4-point PPG advantage from the 2025 season. That baseline matters, but it is one input among several. Matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and injury reports move the needle week to week, which is why the best answer changes depending on when you are asking.
Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Matthew Stafford threw for 4707 yards and 46 touchdowns, while Sam Darnold posted 4048 yards and 25 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: Matthew Stafford sits Week 6 while Sam Darnold is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
