With fantasy football draft season approaching, managers are left with the question of whether ageing veteran Matthew Stafford is even worth a late-round flier. Stafford, at 37, comes into the 2025 season with nagging back pains that kept him on the sidelines much of training camp. New additions at receiver in DeVante Adams and an explosive Rams offense, here is the full breakdown to determine whether Stafford should be on your fantasy team or not.
Injury Status and Practicing Progress
Stafford was out of coach pads and most practices due to a back injury- a recently aggravated disc. At this point, he is still nursing a lingering left knee injury, but as of mid-August, he has shown no effects of the injury, as he has returned to full 11-on-11 practice, with no reported setbacks. Head coach Sean McVay and Stafford himself have indicated that they are doing “everything under the sun” to get ready by Week 1, and the Rams trainers are optimistic barring an unforeseen relapse.
Fantasy Outlook and Draft Value
Fantasy experts rank Stafford in the middle of the pack of quarterbacks with potential, given the strength of his arm and the talent around him, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. It was observed that he is a late-round flier or QB3 in superflex leagues. His back issues and age are a cause of concern; however, he still has the potential to have a couple of spike weeks as long as he remains healthy. His average ADP across PPR mock drafts is around Round 13, pick 8 (roughly 152nd overall), identifying him as a low-risk, high-upside dart throw.
Risk vs. Reward: How to Deploy Stafford
The risk: Stafford’s back is a gamble; there is the possibility of surgery. If he misses time, veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo or potentially newcomer Stetson Bennett could be thrust into the spotlight. Both are definitely reasons to exercise caution.
The positive: Stafford is still a pass-first QB whose choices of targets are top-notch. His back is the question mark, but in 17 games, he should provide weekly upside and has the ability to pass 25+ touchdowns, and should be a solid return weekly.
Bottom Line
Matthew Stafford is an ageing player who is recovering from an injury and should only be a late-round fantasy option. He has playoff upside as a QB3 with a high ceiling. However, the risk may not be worth the reward to those who need reliability or those in single-QB leagues. Your decision to draft him should hinge on the belief as to whether he will be ready to play Week 1. The best recommendation right now is to stay away from Stafford until his health status is confirmed.
Read More:
5 Quarterbacks the Rams Could Target in the 2025 NFL Draft if Matthew Stafford Departs
Jaxson Dart to the Rams? L.A. Quietly Preps for Life After Matthew Stafford
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