Garoppolo’s hefty contract and post-2017 trajectory are framed as a classic sunk-cost example—an investment that paid early dividends but became untenable, illustrating the perils of staying with expensive bets too long.

Garoppolo enters Week 1 as a potential starter if Stafford's health limits him, introducing a different rhythm to LA's passing game. His presence changes risk, upside, and target distribution, with a potential shift in how the Rams attack Houston if he starts.

Garoppolo is floated as a possible two-game starter late in the season, offering a veteran bridge behind Stafford if the back flares or workload becomes untenable.

Garoppolo, stepping into a Rams offense with a potentially unsettled Week 1, is a proactive Superflex play if Stafford’s status lingers. He can provide steady weekly points in the right scenarios, particularly in matchups favorable to the passing game and efficient quick throws.

Garoppolo is framed as the durable veteran backup archetype whose health and availability have historically shaped rosters and depth charts. The Rams’ preseason stance underscores the challenge of a dependable reserve, and Garoppolo’s track record suggests steady, if not explosive, game management when pressed into action behind a solid supporting cast.