Matthew

Stafford

The Rams played the Eagles tight in the first half, holding a lead until a six-yard touchdown from A.J. Brown propelled the Eagles to a six-point lead at the half. Even so, the Rams managed just one first-half touchdown before the two passing touchdowns to Demarcus Robinson and Cooper Kupp after the break, the latter of which came with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter with the Rams down by three scores. The up-and-down season for the Rams continues as they fall to 5-6 and a game behind both the Cardinals and Seahawks in the NFC West. A matchup against the Saints in Week 13 could prove a pivotal game for the Rams, likely needing a win to keep pace in the division.

“Just” Stafford’s fifth four-touchdown performance as a Ram, it was also Stafford’s second four-score day in four games since Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both returned to the lineup. The superstar wideouts were the story as Stafford found them for a combined 13/229/3. That will do. It’s also what players like this should be doing against a soft Pats defense. The Rams have been a 2024 rollercoaster, and that is going to continue against a far tougher Eagles defense in Week 12 on Sunday Night Football. Dabbling in QB1 status the past few weeks, Stafford will probably be more in the 12-15 range for that one.

Stafford led an offense that failed to score a touchdown for only the second time in his career with the Rams, struggling to move the football against a reinvigorated Dolphins defense that got numerous key defenders back from injury ahead of their Week 10 meeting. They would also clearly struggle in the red zone, leading to five field goals on six attempts for kicker Joshua Karty. Stafford’s lone interception came on a tipped pass near the end of the first quarter with the team down 10-0, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. With the loss, the Rams fall to 4-5 and suddenly find themselves 1.5 games back from the division lead with eight games remaining to play. The Rams travel to Foxboro to face the Patriots in Week 11.

Stafford and the Rams got off to a rocky start versus Seattle with three points at halftime and two out of their six drives resulting in more than 20 yards gained. Stafford also overthrew a deep shot to Puka Nacua near the end of the first half and was intercepted by Tariq Woolen. Nacua got into a skirmish and the end of the play, threw a punch, and was subsequently ejected. With their backs against the wall, LA came out of the locker room swinging in the third quarter. Stafford marched down the field and through a short touchdown to Demarcus Robinson on the opening drive and the Rams’ defense took Geno Smith for a pick-six a few Seattle possessions down the road. Stafford came back to Robinson in overtime for a 39-yard touchdown on a play-action shot to win the game. With Nacua and Cooper Kupp both healthy, Stafford will hang out near the top of the QB2 ranks for his Week 10 matchup with Miami.

Welcoming back Puka Nacua for the first time since Week 1 and Cooper Kupp for the first time since Week 2, Stafford more than doubled his season touchdowns total and posted his best yardage mark since the opener. This, against what had been a ferocious Vikings defense. Star playmakers, they matter. Stafford, of course, is a playmaker in his own right, and he continued to show off ridiculous arm angles and talent despite some recent back soreness. Of his four scores, two went to DeMarcus Robinson, one to Kupp, and one to Kyren Williams. The strike to Kupp came after the wideout ran around in the end zone to buy some time for scrambling Stafford. Chemistry. The Rams now have 10 days to rest up for a plus matchup with the Seahawks. Stafford is looking fantasy relevant for that one.

Stafford played admirably in this one, quickly returning to his feet after being leveled via a Maxx Crosby sack early on. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp also remained unavailable and ascending rookie Jordan Whittington totaled just nine offensive snaps after entering the game with a shoulder injury. Stafford should at least get Kupp and Whittington back for Week 8 against the Vikings, bringing him up to the QB1/2 border.

McVay didn’t say whether or not Stafford’s back was still bothering him, but it sounds like this is a minor issue for now. Stafford was reportedly dealing with soreness following the Rams’ Week 5 loss to the Packers, which is mildly concerning for a player with his injury history. Stafford will be a QB2 in Week 7 when the Rams play host to the Raiders.

Stafford was hit 10 times and the Packers recorded three sacks against him in Week 5’s loss. “He took some shots [Sunday], he’s taken some shots this year and throughout the course of his career. ... It’s something that we want to monitor,” McVay told reporters on Monday. This doesn’t look like anything to be worried about in the short-term, but it is as McVay says, something to monitor. The Rams, 1-4, may not have a lot to play for down the stretch if they don’t turn things around in a hurry. Stafford’s offensive line has been dinged up all season. These are some concerning signs for his rest of season outlook in fantasy football.

It was a brutally inefficient (and pass heavy) day for Stafford and the Rams offense, missing Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Stafford leaned on TE Colby Parkinson (12 targets) along with slot guy Jordan Whittington (10 targets) and Tutu Atwell (10 targets). Outside of two long completions to Atwell and Whittington, Stafford was forced to dink and dunk his way down the field against a tough Green Bay defense. Stafford won’t be a reliable option in one-QB leagues until Kupp and/or Nacua return to the LA lineup. The Rams have a bye in Week 6.

The Rams offense struggled a bit with the offensive line and receiving corps still reeling from injuries. Stafford was sacked three times and did not throw for a score in the loss to the Bears. He continued to show elite processing, but also fumbled in the second quarter and threw a game-ending interception on what controversially could have been a roughing the passer penalty. Bears S Jaquan Brisker almost had a second pick in the red zone on Stafford that was called back due to Brisker stepping out of bounds. Stafford is still a good thrower, but the Rams’ injury-depleted offense will impact his scoring output. Heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Packers, Stafford is a fantasy QB2.