Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford enters the 2026 fantasy season in a strong spot for both stability and volume. He’s still the Rams’ starter, and Los Angeles reinforced that commitment by giving him a one-year, $55 million extension in May that keeps him under contract through 2027.

The biggest thing fantasy managers want to know is health, and Stafford had a real back issue last season that lingered through camp, though it did not require surgery in February. He also dealt with a sprained right index finger in the playoffs, but he was expected to play through it and did not appear to face a long-term setback.

From a fantasy angle, Stafford still profiles as a classic pocket passer with weekly QB1 upside in the right matchups, especially if the Rams’ offense stays pass-heavy and his supporting cast remains intact. His age and injury history keep the floor from being elite, but the extension suggests the team still views him as the best chance to keep the offense efficient and explosive.

Overall, Stafford looks like a solid draft target for managers who wait on quarterback and want a reliable veteran with real passing volume. He’s not the kind of quarterback you build around in fantasy at this stage, but he remains a credible starting option in 2026 if you miss on the top tier.