The NFL playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, and one of the top MVP candidates in Matthew Stafford is set to take the field. His Rams travel to the Carolina Panthers to start their playoff journey.
When you talk about the best quarterbacks in the league this season, Stafford is at the top of the list.
How the MVP Candidates Stack Up
The MVP race seems down to Stafford and Drake Maye; however, last season’s MVP, Josh Allen, could be a dark horse as well.
Here is how Stafford matches up with his counterparts.
Many people see the MVP as a toss-up between Stafford and Maye. They have been neck and neck for most of the season, both putting up incredible numbers. However, Allen remains in the conversation due to another incredible playmaking season.
Maye ranks second in PFSN’s QB Impact Score with a 91.1, while Allen ranks third with a 90.0. Those two trail only Brock Purdy, who is the only other quarterback with an A grade. Stafford comes in just behind those quarterbacks, ranking sixth in that same category with an 84.4.
Some other stats that should be pointed out between the three are completion percentage, which Maye leads with a 72.0%. Allen is at 69.3%, and Stafford is 65.0%.
But where Stafford separates himself is in passing yards and touchdowns. Stafford led the NFL in passing yards with 4,707, Maye was fourth in the NFL with 4,394, and Allen was 11th with 3,668.
As for passing touchdowns, Stafford was far and away better than everyone else. He threw 46 touchdowns, which was second in the NFL, behind Jared Goff, who threw 34. Maye threw 31 and Allen, 25.
But, where Allen separated himself was in rushing touchdowns. He recorded 14, the most in the league. Maye only had four, and Stafford did not have any.
Even though the MVP is an individual award, a candidate’s team’s success always plays a role. Maye’s team has the best record of the bunch, finishing 14-3, and edging out Allen’s Bills, who had a 12-5 record, for the AFC East.
As for the Rams and Stafford, they finished 12-5 and are a wild-card team in the NFC.
Stafford Hoping To Solidify Hall of Fame Career
Stafford has been one of the best quarterbacks of the generation, and the one championship ring he won with the Rams will go a long way for his Hall of Fame candidacy.
But, something else that could play a significant role is winning the league MVP. At 37 years old, Stafford is having the best season of his career, and this may be his last shot to win MVP.
Having an MVP season and making another run at the Super Bowl could elevate Stafford into high-level quarterback conversations. Once Stafford was traded from the Lions, he had a chance to demonstrate how effective a quarterback he can be with more talent around him.
Now, it will be interesting to see if the voters view Stafford as the player most integral to his team’s success in the 2025 season.
