Matthew Stafford looking to bounce back

Rams QB Matt Stafford's 2022 season ended in Week 11 with a spinal cord contusion. He was disappointing even before that, ranking 22nd among QBs in fantasy points per game. Stafford's 6.9 yards per pass attempt was his worst mark since 2018 and the fifth-worst mark among his 14 NFL seasons. A leaky offensive line was part of the problem. But Stafford registered his lowest Pro Football Focus passing grade since 2015, ranking 22nd among 31 qualifying QBs. Now 35, Stafford's best days are certainly behind him. But there's some bounce-back potential here with better health for Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp, and the offensive line. Remember that Stafford finished fifth among QBs in fantasy points in his Rams debut in 2021. We're not expecting him to return to that level of production -- but he doesn't need to at his current QB19 ADP. See where Stafford sits in our 2023 QB Rankings.

Rams QB Matt Stafford (thumb) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report for Sunday’s game vs. the Seahawks. That suggests his right thumb injury shouldn’t be a factor this weekend, although we’d still prefer to see Stafford play a healthy game before considering him as a starter in 1-QB fantasy leagues. Stafford’s return is excellent news for WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Rams QB Matt Stafford (thumb) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. "I feel pretty confident in my ability to go out there and play at a pretty high level," he said afterward. Stafford will start this weekend's game vs. the Seahawks, but we'd still like to see a healthy, productive outing from him before using him in 1-QB fantasy leagues.

Rams HC Sean McVay said Monday that the team is expecting QB Matt Stafford (thumb) to start this weekend's game vs. the Seahawks. Stafford was able to grip and throw the football in Monday's post-bye-week practice. We'll keep an eye on his progress throughout the week. Stafford would be a shaky QB1 play in Week 11 fantasy lineups, but his return is great news for the Rams' skill-position players.

Rams HC Sean McVay said Monday that he's "optimistic" about getting QB Matt Stafford back from his thumb injury after the Week 10 bye. That'd be excellent because QB Brett Rypien was horrible in Green Bay on Sunday, totaling just 130 scoreless passing yards. WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua combined for five catches and 80 yards. We'll track Stafford's status when the Rams get back to work next week.

Rams QB Matt Stafford (thumb) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Packers. He reportedly made progress throughout the week, setting him up to play after Los Angeles’ Week 10 bye. QB Brett Rypien makes his fourth NFL start and first for the Rams today. He sports a career 61% completion rate and 5.9 yards per attempt. Expect a conservative, run-leaning attack from the Rams today.