Making the right lineup adjustments is the key to securing a weekly win in fantasy football. As matchups solidify, several quarterbacks are transitioning into must-start territory, while others present massive risks.
Here is a breakdown of the vital quarterback decisions you need to make this week.
The QBs to Start With Confidence
- Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers): Young has thrown multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per game since Week 11 of last season. His chemistry with Jalen Coker is elite—Young boasts a 135.9 passer rating when targeting the wideout. Facing a depleted Falcons defense, Young is a premier streaming option.
- Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): After completing 73.5% of his passes and throwing three touchdowns against the Rams in Australia, Purdy is a locked-in starter. He faces a Dolphins defense that just surrendered three passing scores to Kirk Cousins.
- Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars): Lawrence has officially entered must-start territory. Despite a road matchup against Denver, his history against them (31.2 fantasy points last season) and Denver's recent struggles against Kansas City make him a strong play.
- Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Stafford returns home to face the Giants. The Rams' offensive firepower is too formidable to expect another low-scoring performance.
- Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Despite losing three fumbles last week, Mayfield remained highly efficient. Expect a major rebound against a Browns defense that allowed four passing touchdowns in their opener.
The QBs to Leave on the Bench
- Malik Willis (Green Bay Packers): Willis struggled heavily in Week 1, posting a 55.6% completion rate, zero passing touchdowns, and an interception. While a rushing touchdown saved his fantasy day, he now faces a dominant 49ers defense that just held the Rams to seven points. Keep him benched.
- Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Herbert is a risky play if rookie wideout Ladd McConkey (ribs) is ruled out. Herbert’s yards per attempt plummeted from 10.3 to 5.4 once McConkey left the field in Week 1.
- Tyler Shough (Louisville): While Shough is emerging as a viable long-term streaming option, a tough road matchup against Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals' pass rush makes him an easy sit this week.
