Blog · Week 8 · October 31, 2026
Should you start Matthew Stafford in Week 8?
Yes, you should start Matthew Stafford this week despite facing a tough defensive matchup. His recent consistency and high passing volume make him a viable option for your starting lineup.
Quarterback context and current status
Matthew Stafford enters his seventeenth NFL season at 38 years old with an active status for the Los Angeles offense. Recently, the veteran led his team to a comfortable 35-21 victory over the Raiders, standing out with three passing touchdowns and setting franchise records across two different teams. However, a 2-4 start has complicated the squad's aspirations, as the offense also deals with Davante Adams landing on the injured reserve list and a noticeable lack of deep-threat options that forces the coaching staff to look for urgent alternatives in the market.
Recent performance and season numbers
During the 2026 campaign, Stafford has played 7 games totaling 130.4 PPR fantasy points, yielding a solid average of 18.6 points per contest. In his most recent outings, the passer kept steady numbers: Week 4 against Philadelphia yielded 11.7 points with 317 yards and 3 interceptions; Week 5 against Buffalo was a breakout performance with 27.3 points, 383 yards, and 3 touchdowns; Week 6 against Arizona brought 16.9 points with 222 yards and 2 scores; and most recently against Las Vegas he scored 18.5 points with 195 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
Matchup breakdown and weekly projections
For Week 8, the veteran quarterback squares off against the Chargers under a DIFFICULT MATCHUP. The opposing defense surrenders 15.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, ranking as the number 26 unit in the league. Despite this challenge, our predictive model projects him for 19.2 fantasy points across PPR, Half, and Standard formats, ranking him as the overall QB7 for the week. His efficiency inside the red zone keeps him firmly inside starting territory.
Fantasy advice
START · You should start Matthew Stafford in PPR, Half, and Standard leagues for Week 8. Even though he faces a tough matchup against the Chargers and the offense lacks star wide receiver depth, his projection of 19.2 points and QB7 ranking make him a trustworthy option. Deploy him with confidence if you are looking for a reliable floor and solid passing volume.
Projection from the FX Model, Fantasy Expertos' own system.
FAQ
What is Matthew Stafford's fantasy average in 2026?
He is averaging 18.6 PPR fantasy points per game through 7 contests.
Who is Matthew Stafford playing in Week 8?
He plays against the Chargers in a difficult matchup.
What is Matthew Stafford's projection for Week 8?
The model projects him for 19.2 fantasy points, positioning him as the QB7 of the week.