FORTIFIED FANTASY

Week 82026 ยท Standard ยท THIS WEEK

Should I start Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold this week? Week 8 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start Matthew Stafford

+1.8 projected edge ยท Standard

Start Matthew Stafford over Sam Darnold for Week 8 Standard: 16.4 projected points versus 14.6.

  • Matthew Stafford: 18.0 FP recent scoring average; 2.5% matchup reduction against LAC.
  • Sam Darnold: 10.9 FP recent scoring average.

Forecast updated ยท Standard

Matthew Stafford
Why this pick?

Matthew Stafford

Fortified16.4
ESPN17.8
Sleeper15.1
FantasyProsโ€”

Matthew Stafford faces LAC in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 18.0 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 2.5%.

Sam Darnold

Fortified14.6
ESPN15.1
Sleeper14.8
FantasyProsโ€”

Sam Darnold faces CHI in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 10.9 fantasy points.

Matthew Stafford projects for 16.4 points in standard scoring, 1.8 more than Sam Darnold. This is a projection-based recommendation, not a guarantee. Verify the latest injury report and active status before kickoff.

Updated Oct 26, 2026, 2:03 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

Your next decision

Tap a player for alternatives, or search a name.

SEE THE WHOLE SEASON

Donโ€™t just win Sunday.
Win whatโ€™s next.

Your roster. Every week.
A plan for the playoffs.

WEEK 7PLAYOFFS โ™›
Build my Game Plan Your team. Your leagueโ€™s rules.
Scoring & lineup notes

PPR awards one point per reception; half-PPR awards 0.5; standard awards none. Custom league rules can change the result. Confirm active status, kickoff and lineup locks. Projections are estimates; completed-week scores are actuals.

More Week 8 decisions

Still deciding on Matthew Stafford?

QB ยท Week 8Matthew Stafford or Josh Allen?16.4 vs 23.8 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Matthew Stafford or Jared Goff?16.4 vs 16.4 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Matthew Stafford or Kirk Cousins?16.4 vs 16.5 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Matthew Stafford or Bryce Young?16.4 vs 16.7 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—

Other close calls

QB ยท Week 8Josh Allen or Drake Maye?23.8 vs 23.3 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Drake Maye or Lamar Jackson?23.3 vs 22.1 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Lamar Jackson or Trevor Lawrence?22.1 vs 21.4 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Trevor Lawrence or Joe Burrow?21.4 vs 21.2 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Joe Burrow or Dak Prescott?21.2 vs 20.6 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
QB ยท Week 8Dak Prescott or Jayden Daniels?20.6 vs 20.5 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
Compare other players Week 8