Tag: Matthew Stafford

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks on field before the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Rams QB Matthew Stafford named NFL MVP, says he’ll play in ’26

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams was named NFL Most Valuable Player on Thursday night at the NFL Honors event in San Francisco.

It marks the first time the quarterback has won the award in his 17 NFL seasons, the first 12 spent with the Detroit Lions and the last five with the Rams.

He narrowly edged New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye for the award, finishing with five more points than the Patriots quarterback.

Stafford, who turns 38 on Saturday, also revealed he will return for an 18th season. He hadn’t previously committed to return in 2026.

Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdown passes despite playing through back issues. He didn’t miss a game and was intercepted eight times in 597 attempts.

Stafford (366 points) received 24 of the 50 first-place votes while Maye (361) got 23.

–Field Level Media

Rams QB Matthew Stafford ‘good to go’ vs. Bears despite finger sprain

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is “good to go” for next Sunday’s divisional round game at Chicago despite sustaining a sprained index finger on his throwing hand in Saturday’s wild-card win at Carolina, coach Sean McVay told reporters Monday.

The injury occurred late in the first half when Stafford’s hand hit a helmet on the follow-through of a pass to Puka Nacua. Stafford told reporters after the game that his finger bent backward, but it was reported Sunday that X-rays on the finger were negative.

“He’s as tough as it gets, but he’s feeling good,” McVay said. “He had a sprain on the index finger, but he was able to push through it. He’s as tough as it gets and will be good to go.”

Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, earned his first career first-team All-Pro honor on Saturday. He set a career high during the regular season with 46 touchdown passes to go along with 4,707 yards and is the betting favorite to win his first MVP award.

Stafford completed 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in Saturday’s 34-31 win, delivering a decisive 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with 38 seconds left.

Stafford has a great deal of familiarity with the Bears from his 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions. He has a 12-10 record in 22 career games against Chicago with 35 touchdown passes and 24 interceptions, more than he has thrown against any other team.

–Field Level Media

Matthew Stafford, Myles Garrett headline NFL All-Pro team

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on Saturday was named to the Associated Press NFL All-Pro Team for the first time in his career.

Stafford, who led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and touchdown passes (46), received 31 of the 50 first-place votes by a national panel of media members.

New England Patriots second-year QB Drake Maye, who led the NFL in passer rating (113.5) and completion percentage (72%), received 18 votes and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills landed the other vote.

The 37-year-old Stafford joins kicker Gary Anderson (1998) as the only players to be named a first-team All-Pro for the first time in their 17th NFL season or later.

“That’s amazing,” Stafford said, per the Associated Press. “I did not see that coming. Played a lot of years. A lot of respect for this game. A lot of respect for the other guys who do what I do. It’s not an easy thing to do. It means a lot.”

Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, who set a single-season sack record with 23, joined Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and Seattle Seahawks star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba as unanimous choices for the All-Pro team.

Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson received the running back honor, with San Francisco rusher Christian McCaffrey taking the all-purpose spot and teammate Kyle Juszczyk being tabbed as the fullback.

Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase was named the third wide receiver, and tight end Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals received all but one of the 50 first-place votes for his position.

The Denver Broncos had four first-team (defensive end Zach Allen, left tackle Garett Boles, left guard Quinn Meinerz and special teamer Devon Key) and two second-team players (cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga).

Below are the full All-Pro teams:

FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE
Quarterback — Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
Running back — Bijan Robinson (Atlanta)
Fullback — Kyle Juszczyk (San Francisco)
Wide receivers — Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle), Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati)
All-purpose — Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco)
Tight end — Trey McBride (Arizona)
Left tackle — Garett Bolles (Denver)
Left guard — Joe Thuney (Chicago)
Center — Creed Humphrey (Kansas City)
Right guard — Quinn Meinerz (Denver)
Right tackle — Penei Sewell (Detroit)

DEFENSE
Edge rushers — Myles Garrett (Cleveland), Will Anderson Jr. (Houston), Micah Parsons (Green Bay)
Interior linemen — Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee), Zach Allen (Denver)
Linebackers — Jack Campbell (Detroit), Jordyn Brooks (Miami)
Cornerbacks — Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston), Quinyon Mitchell (Philadelphia)
Slot cornerback — Cooper DeJean (Philadelphia)
Safeties — Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore), Kevin Byard (Chicago)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Placekicker — Will Reichard (Minnesota)
Punter — Jordan Stout (Baltimore)
Kick returner — Ray Davis (Buffalo)
Punt returner — Chimera Dike (Tennessee)
Special teamer — Devon Key (Denver)
Long snapper — Ross Matiscik (Jacksonville)

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE
Quarterback — Drake Maye, New England
Running back — James Cook, Buffalo
Fullback — Patrick Ricard, Baltimore
Wide receivers — George Pickens, Dallas; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit; Chris Olave, New Orleans
All-purpose — Bijan Robinson, Atlanta
Tight end — Kyle Pitts, Atlanta
Left tackle — Trent Williams, San Francisco
Left guard — Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis
Center — Aaron Brewer, Miami
Right guard — Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta
Right tackle — Darnell Wright, Chicago

DEFENSE
Edge rushers — Brian Burns (New York Giants); Danielle Hunter (Houston), Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit)
Interior linemen — Leonard Williams (Seattle), Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh)
Linebackers — Devin Lloyd (Jacksonville), Ernest Jones IV (Seattle)
Cornerbacks — Patrick Surtain II (Denver), Devon Witherspoon (Seattle)
Slot cornerback — Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers)
Safeties — Jessie Bates III (Atlanta), Talanoa Hufanga (Denver), Xavier McKinney (Green Bay)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Placekicker — Brandon Aubrey, Dallas
Punter — Michael Dickson, Seattle
Kick returner — Kavontae Turpin, Dallas
Punt returner — Marcus Jones, New England
Special teamer — Del’Shawn Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers
Long snapper — Andrew DePaola, Minnesota

–Field Level Media

Matthew Stafford may have thrown MVP away in 3-pick loss

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Matthew Stafford’s march toward his first NFL Most Valuable Player award went from one of the league’s feel-good stories of 2025 to a significant longshot over four shocking quarters in Atlanta on Monday night.

With only two regular-season games remaining — both against teams out of playoff contention with coaches on the hot seat — Stafford entered Week 17 as the consensus MVP favorite ahead of New England counterpart Drake Maye. That included at BetMGM, where Stafford was the -210 favorite ahead of Maye at +165.

The Falcons’ defense entered Monday night with only 12 interceptions through the team’s 6-9 start. But Atlanta picked Stafford off three times en route to a stunning 27-24 upset on national television.

Compounding matters was the prime-time meltdown came a day after Maye completed 90.5% of his passes while throwing five touchdowns in a clinical destruction of the New York Jets. Despite being pulled in the third quarter, Maye became the fourth Patriots quarterback to pass for at least five touchdowns in a game, joining Tom Brady, Steve Grogan and Babe Parilli.

Combined with Buffalo’s loss to Philadelphia, New England clinched the AFC East title.

The series of events flipped Maye to the prohibitive -700 favorite at BetMGM, while Stafford’s odds sunk to +425.

DraftKings still has the race somewhat closer with Maye the -330 favorite ahead of Stafford at +250.

Stafford’s first three-pick game of the season came at a very inopportune time for both his MVP chances and for the Rams. Sitting in prime position to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC just two weeks ago, Los Angeles is now locked into a wild-card spot following consecutive losses.

That Maye is at the helm of a division champion while Stafford’s Rams have limped to the finish line might prove to be the differentiating factor in a close statistical comparison.

Stafford has thrown for 4,448 yards and 42 touchdowns against eight interceptions while completing 65.2% of his passes.

Maye has thrown for 4,203 yards and 30 touchdowns against eight interceptions while completing 71.7% of his passes.

Stafford’s MVP chances could be further hindered depending on what approach coach Sean McVay decides to take in Week 18. The Rams can do no better than the No. 5 seed. If San Francisco beats Seattle on Saturday night, Los Angeles will be locked into the No. 6 seed and will have little to play for on Sunday against the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals.

Meanwhile, the Patriots still have a shot at the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs on the line at home against Miami. New England enters Week 18 with identical 13-3 records with Denver. The Broncos play host to the Los Angeles Chargers, who plan to rest starting quarterback Justin Herbert in favor of backup Trey Lance.

For his part, Stafford said he plans to play against the Cardinals.

“I love playing the game,” he said. “So, yeah, I’ll be ready to go.”

–Field Level Media

Rams QB Matthew Stafford sets TD pass streak record

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford used the team’s first drive against the Carolina Panthers to set an NFL record for consecutive touchdown passes without an interception.

Stafford threw his 28th consecutive touchdown pass without an interception when he found Davante Adams on a 4-yard scoring strike less than three minutes into the game.

The nine-game run immediately ended on the Rams’ second possession when Stafford was intercepted by Nick Scott in the end zone on a deflected pass. Stafford officially went 318 consecutive passes without an interception.

Stafford was intercepted two passes later by Mike Jackson, who scampered 48 yards for a touchdown to give Carolina a 14-7 lead.

The TD pass broke Stafford’s tie with Tom Brady, who had 27 consecutive passes without an interception as a member of the New England Patriots between the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

The toss to Adams in the first quarter was Stafford’s NFL-leading 31st TD pass of the season, with his third interception coming one drive later. The last time he had been picked off was in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Adams has an NFL-best 13 TD receptions.

Stafford, who is vying for his first career MVP award in his 17th NFL season, entered Sunday having completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 62,639 yards, 407 TDs and 190 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Aug 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) walks on the field prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Rams’ Matthew Stafford expected to start opener vs. Texans

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to start the opener against the visiting Houston Texas, coach Sean McVay told reporters on Monday.

Stafford missed the first several weeks of training camp, battling an aggravated disc in his back. According to ESPN, he has been a full participant in practice since Aug. 18, in both individual and team drills.

The 17-year veteran restructured his contract in the offseason, signing a two-year deal with cap hits of $47 million-plus in 2025 and 2026, according to Over The Cap.

Stafford, 37, played in 16 of 17 regular-season games for the 2024 Rams, who upset Minnesota in the wild-card round of the playoffs and lost a 28-22 decision to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

He threw for 533 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in those two contests after amassing 3,762 passing yards, 20 TDs and eight interceptions in the regular season.

The longtime Detroit Lions starter, Stafford led Los Angeles to its first Super Bowl championship in his first season of 2021. He is ranked 10th in NFL history with 59,809 passing yards.

McVay also believes left tackle Alaric Jackson, a Monday participant in practice, will start against Houston. He has been dealing with blot clots in his lower leg.

“I do believe that we’ll be at our best with him out there,” McVay told reporters.

–Field Level Media

Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) participates in first practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford participated in a preseason practice for the first time Monday after dealing with an aggravated disk in his back, multiple outlets reported.

Stafford, 37, was supposed to return to practice last week but continued to experience discomfort and instead spent time in a mobile hyperbaric recovery trailer parked at the team practice facility.

While Stafford still is not expected to participate in the Rams’ final preseason game Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, his return gives him just shy of three weeks to prepare for the team’s regular-season opener Sept. 7 at home against the Houston Texans.

The Rams have gone 2-0 in the preseason primarily with Stetson Bennett IV at quarterback. Bennett, who played the entirety of Saturday’s 23-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, is the team’s No. 3 QB behind Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Stafford completed 65.8 percent of his passes for the Rams in 16 games last season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He nearly rallied the Rams to a victory in an NFC divisional-round game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

In 16 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions (2009-20) and Rams, Stafford has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 59,809 yards, 377 TDs and 188 interceptions. The two-time Pro Bowl selection guided the Rams to a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals following the 2021 season.

–Field Level Media

Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams’ Matthew Stafford to practice Monday if workout goes well

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will work out on Saturday prior to the team’s preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Sean McVay said Thursday.

McVay added that if all goes well for Stafford, the veteran will be in line to participate in practice with the Rams on Monday.

McVay also confirmed an NFL Network report that Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back.

“If this was in-season, he would be playing right now,” McVay said of Stafford. “We have taken a very cautious approach, but if we were playing a (regular-season) game this week, he would be playing in the game — and I think that’s important for you guys (the media) to know right now.

“When we do go against the Chargers, we will hold him out of that (joint) practice. And then you’ll continue to see his workload increase as long as he is feeling good.”

Stafford, 37, remains in line to take the field for the Rams’ season opener against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7 in Inglewood, Calif.

He completed 340 of 517 passes (65.8 percent) for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions while starting all 16 games that he played in 2024. He also was 45 of 71 (63.4 percent) for 533 yards, four TDs and no picks in two playoff games last season.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Stafford has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 59,809 yards, 377 TDs and 188 interceptions in 222 regular-season games (all starts) with the Detroit Lions (2009-20) and Rams. The Lions selected him with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

Stafford led the Rams to a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

–Field Level Media

Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: Rams’ Matthew Stafford on track for on-field work this week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is in line to resume working out this week, Pro Football Talk reported Wednesday.

Stafford received an epidural to address a back injury and has been considered week-to-week by head coach Sean McVay.

NFL Network reported that Stafford is nursing an aggravated disc, however the former Super Bowl champion remains in the plan to take the field for the Rams’ season opener against the Houston Texans on Sept. 7 in Inglewood, Calif.

Stafford, 37, completed 340 of 517 passes (65.8 percent) for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions while starting all 16 games that he played in 2024. He also was 45 of 71 (63.4 percent) for 533 yards, four TDs and no picks in two playoff games last season.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Stafford has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 59,809 yards, 377 TDs and 188 interceptions in 222 regular-season games (all starts) with the Detroit Lions (2009-20) and Rams. The Lions selected him with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

Stafford led the Rams to a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

–Field Level Media

Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

McVay: Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) will not practice next week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Rams will hold quarterback Matthew Stafford out of practice next week because of back soreness, head coach Sean McVay said on Saturday.

McVay said he had “probably spoke a little bit too soon” last Tuesday when he anticipated Stafford will be practicing but maintained that there was no setback and the 37-year-old QB should be ready for the season opener on Sept. 7 at home against the Houston Texans.

“He’s doing really well. We’ve got a good plan in place,” McVay said after Saturday’s practice. “We are going to still take some more time with him, though. Nothing that’s changed in terms of a setback. I probably spoke a little bit too soon, but the ultimate goal is Houston and being mindful of that. So we’ll take it a week at a time with him. So I did want to be able to let you guys know about that.”

The coach said that after talking with the team’s medical staff, it was “the smart thing to do.”

“I don’t have any reason to be concerned based on the information that’s been given,” McVay said. “I don’t think we can be smart enough with somebody like Matthew, and I think it’s best for him, best for our football team and that’s kind of the plan that we’ll have moving forward.”

Stafford has been in attendance for the first week of training camp but mostly away from the field and working with the training staff.

He completed 340 of 517 passes (65.8 percent) for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in starting 16 regular-season games in 2024. He also was 45 of 71 for 533 yards, four TDs and no interceptions in two playoff games last season.

For his career, Stafford has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 59,809 yards, 377 TDs and 188 picks in 222 regular-season games (all starts) with the Detroit Lions (2009-2020) and Rams (2021-present).

He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2023, and won the Super Bowl with the Rams in the 2021 season. The Lions selected him with the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

McVay also said on Saturday that linebacker Chris Paul Jr. was held out of practice because of a calf injury, and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was also sidelined by a calf injury and his status is “day-to-day.”

–Field Level Media