The Los Angeles Rams have to be considered one of the premier Super Bowl contenders heading into next season. After shoring up any potential holes on the roster, they are going to try to replicate, and in some cases exceed, their success from 2025.
However, the biggest ace up their sleeve is the league’s reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford. Coming off a stellar campaign, he will look to continue his momentum. But a former quarterback believes he also poses the biggest risk for his franchise.
The Rams Hinge on Matthew Stafford’s Health
Making an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” former Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick broke down what could be the worst-case scenario for the Rams.
As a seventh-round pick, Fitzpatrick played for nine different teams and had an inspirational 17-year NFL career. As a result, he understands the trials and tribulations that come with being a starting quarterback. Moreover, he was acutely aware of the load on Stafford’s shoulder going into next season, as the entirety of LA’s dreams rested on them.
“Well, I mean, I think part of it, too, is like, well, the health of Matthew Stafford, right? That was a big question mark going into last season,” Fitzpatrick said.
Before Stafford put together a stellar campaign, his status for the season was in question. A back injury that had continued to linger throughout the summer even caused him to miss most of training camp. But he was back on the field as the starting quarterback by the start of the year and put together the best season of his career to win league MVP.
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According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, Stafford posted an impact score of 87.0 last season, ranking second in the league, only behind Drake Maye.
However, retirement rumors have continued to plague the now-38-year-old Super Bowl champion. While receiving his MVP award, Stafford confirmed he would return for the 2026 NFL season. But the concerns about his injuries remain a concern for Fitzpatrick.
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“You never want to put that out into the ether, but I mean that’s a huge deal,” He added. “Can Matthew, now a year older, continue to play at the level that he’s played? I think so. But can he stay healthy?”
Ultimately, Fitzpatrick believes it could derail the Rams entirely. He continued, “That’s going to be a big question mark, and their season is going to be riding on that. If he gets hurt, they obviously have no shot.”
To that end, the team has made it clear that they are going all in on this iteration. Trading multiple first-round picks to bring in both Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, they shored up on the defensive side of the ball. Add in an offense that is already stellar, and the singular focus of the Super Bowl becomes even clearer.
However, the entire operation only functions with Stafford under center. As a result, his health is going to be key to whatever Los Angeles wants to achieve this season.
