In the frenzy of fantasy football draft season, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of early-round wide receivers and breakout-candidate sleepers. But if you’re bullish on both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams returning value at their current fantasy football ADP, you’re missing a major piece of the puzzle if you’re not also drafting Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

We’ve actually covered this in past Fantasy Football Draft Guides using players like Tua Tagovailoa and Baker Mayfield as examples and picked up strong value in drafts as recently as last season. Yet Stafford continues to fly under the radar in fantasy drafts — typically going in the late rounds, if at all. But the numbers, context, and supporting cast tell us this might be a mistake.

 

 

 

Matthew Stafford Still Has Enough Juice for Fantasy

Despite injuries and inconsistent line play in recent seasons, Stafford still has the arm talent and command of Sean McVay’s offense to put up fantasy-relevant numbers. When healthy, he can be counted on for nearly 4,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, a stat line that is more than serviceable in most fantasy formats — especially from a quarterback drafted as a backup.

He’s a savvy late-round grab in superflex leagues or a solid QB2 in best ball formats. For traditional one-QB leagues, he’s the kind of low-cost veteran who can win you weeks when filling in for a starter on a bye or injury.

But here’s the real kicker — if you believe in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams this season, you should believe in Matthew Stafford too.

 

 

 

Davante Adams Adds a Second High-End Receiver to the Mix

Puka Nacua broke out as Stafford’s go-to option in 2023, surprisingly showcasing elite hands, physicality, and an advanced understanding of route concepts for a rookie. He’s not just a short-area target — he’s got the speed to stretch the field and the toughness to add yards after the catch. More importantly, Stafford clearly trusts him as a first read, as evidenced by the target-share even when Cooper Kupp was on the field.   With yet another offseason to develop chemistry, Nacua is poised for a massive third year — but that production doesn’t exist in a vacuum. If he is going to turn out, once again, someone else needs to be there to divert some of the coverage.

Enter Davante Adams, the Rams’ major addition who does more than just replace an aging and oft-injured Kupp. Adams brings elite route running, contested-catch ability, and versatility that allows him to thrive both on the outside and in the slot. He’ll draw the attention of opposing top cornerbacks, but has proven time and time again that he can win those matchups. Even more intriguing is his mentorship of Nacua — teaching him to get open with quickness rather than relying solely on physicality. A recent report from Rams.com quoted Rams OC Mike LaFleur as saying, “Nacua’s route-running and release off the line look sharper thanks to Davante Adams’ tutelage.”

If you expect both receivers to hit — and many fantasy managers are drafting them as though they will — you’re inherently predicting a strong season from Stafford. Quarterbacks don’t throw for 4,500 yards without supporting cast success, and these two wideouts give Stafford a top-5 wide receiver duo on paper.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Matthew Stafford isn’t a flashy name in 2025 fantasy football, but he should be on your radar — especially if you’re targeting Nacua or Adams. His draft cost is minimal, his upside is real, and he’s a perfect high-floor, high-upside QB2.

If Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are going to return value at their current ADPs, Stafford is going to have to be part of that success story. Don’t sleep on him — stash him late, and thank yourself later.

Find out where we’ve ranked Stafford, Nacua, and Adams in the 2025 NFL Draft Guide.