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Head to Head

Updated May 14, 2026 from live stats

Matthew Stafford vs Trevor Lawrence

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

The Bottom Line

Matthew Stafford is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Matthew Stafford edges Trevor Lawrence by 0.7 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Matthew Stafford goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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QBLos Angeles Rams#3PPG LEADER
Matthew Stafford
PPG
20.6
Games
17
Pass Yds
4,707
Pass TDs
46
Bye
Week 8
QBJacksonville Jaguars#5
Trevor Lawrence
PPG
19.9
Games
17
Pass Yds
4,007
Pass TDs
29
Rush Yds
359
Rush TDs
9
Bye
Week 8

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Matthew Stafford
Trevor Lawrence

Head to Head

20.6 PPG19.9 PPG
17 GP17 GP
Bye: Week 8Bye: Week 8

Fantasy Tiers

Matthew Stafford: Tier 1 (Elite) QB (ranked #3 at the position). Trevor Lawrence: Tier 1 (Elite) QB (ranked #5 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Matthew Stafford is producing at 94% of elite pace and Trevor Lawrence at 90%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Matthew Stafford vs Trevor Lawrence: Who Should You Start?

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Matthew Stafford finished the 2025 season at 20.6 PPG over 17 games with the Los Angeles Rams, while Trevor Lawrence clocked in at 19.9 across 17 appearances for the Jacksonville Jaguars. A 0.7-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Matthew Stafford threw for 4707 yards and 46 touchdowns, while Trevor Lawrence posted 4007 yards and 29 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

One thing to note: both players share a Week 8 bye. That means you need a backup plan at quarterback for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Matthew Stafford (age 38) is on the back end of his prime. Strong now, but dynasty value declines year over year. Trevor Lawrence (age 26) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons.

Did You Know?

  • Matthew Stafford outscored Trevor Lawrence by a projected 12 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Matthew Stafford scored 46 total touchdowns in 2025 (2.7 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.
  • Trevor Lawrence added 359 rushing yards in 2025, which historically correlates with a higher fantasy floor in bad passing matchups.
  • Trevor Lawrence is 12 years younger than Matthew Stafford (26 vs 38), which significantly impacts dynasty league trade value.
  • Both players share a Week 8 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.
Detailed Stat Breakdown
StatStaffordLawrence
PPG (Half-PPR)20.619.9
Games Played1717
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)350338
Passing Yards4,7074,007
Passing TDs4629
Pass Yds/Game276.9235.7
Rushing Yards1359
Rushing TDs09
Total TDs4638
TDs/Game2.72.2
Age3826
Experience16 yrs4 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 8Week 8

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Matthew Stafford holds the PPG edge with strong output at 20.6 points per game. Trevor Lawrence averaged 19.9 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Matthew Stafford or Trevor Lawrence in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Matthew Stafford has the edge at 20.6 PPG compared to Trevor Lawrence's 19.9 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence average in 2025?

Matthew Stafford averaged 20.6 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Trevor Lawrence averaged 19.9 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 0.7 points per game.

Do Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence share a bye week?

Yes, both Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence share a Week 8 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at quarterback for that week.

Is Matthew Stafford or Trevor Lawrence a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?

Matthew Stafford outscored Trevor Lawrence by 0.7 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.