In a surprising turn of events, Matthew Stafford has positioned himself as a candidate for the NFL”s Most Valuable Player Award at the age of 37. Following a decisive victory against the New Orleans Saints, where the Los Angeles Rams triumphed 34-10, Stafford”s performance has drawn significant attention. This win brings the Rams” record to 6-2.
According to a report by Jeff Howe from The Athletic, several team executives are impressed by Stafford”s sustained excellence. One executive remarked, “I”m not at all surprised he”s playing at such a high level. He still has an elite skill set. I”m actually more surprised whenever he doesn”t play well.”
Despite the Rams” management being skeptical about Stafford”s long-term performance after they opted against a long-term commitment following the 2024 season, he has continued to defy expectations. The Rams are currently approaching the season on a “year at a time” basis, especially since Stafford chose to forgo some financial incentives to remain with the team.
As of now, the Rams are in a tight race with the Seattle Seahawks for the top spot in the NFC West, while the San Francisco 49ers sit at 6-3. The upcoming matchup between the 49ers and Rams this Sunday could be pivotal for Stafford”s MVP candidacy.
Another executive praised Stafford, stating, “Stafford is a dude. He has lost nothing on his arm. The guy can sling it. His mind is amazing.” This sentiment underscores the respect Stafford commands among his peers, particularly given his current statistics. Heading into Week 10, Stafford leads all qualified players with an average of 268.4 passing yards per game and has thrown 21 touchdowns. He ranks sixth in passer rating and tenth in adjusted QBR.
A strong performance against the 49ers could further elevate Stafford”s profile as a serious MVP contender this season.
