- The most valuable player in the NFL: The 37-year-old quarterback enters the postseason leading the NFL in PFF passing grade (93.3), the highest mark of his career. He also led the league in Wins Above Replacement (4.11), more than half a win clear of any other player.
- A historically great season as a downfield passer: Stafford led the NFL in PFF passing grade on 10-plus-yard throws (99.0) this season, and that mark ranks as the third-best PFF has ever recorded on such throws in a single season. Only Tom Brady in 2016 (99.9) and Aaron Rodgers in 2020 (99.4) have finished higher in the PFF era.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford certainly isn’t playing like he is in the twilight phase of his career. In fact, he is well deserving of the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award for the 2025 season.
The 37-year-old quarterback enters the postseason leading the NFL in PFF passing grade (93.3), the highest mark of his career. He also led the league in Wins Above Replacement (4.11), more than half a win clear of any other player, and finished the regular season as the NFL leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and big-time throws.
Matthew Stafford: Highest-graded seasons
| Season | Dropbacks | PFF Passing grade | Big-time throws | Turnover-worthy plays |
| 2025 | 663 | 93.3 | 47 | 19 |
| 2023 | 643 | 86.0 | 37 | 12 |
| 2021 | 831 | 84.6 | 47 | 29 |
| 2013 | 694 | 83.2 | 33 | 18 |
| 2019 | 336 | 81.6 | 25 | 12 |
| 2016 | 742 | 79.0 | 24 | 21 |
| 2010 | 114 | 78.8 | 4 | 1 |
| 2020 | 626 | 78.6 | 32 | 14 |
| 2018 | 649 | 76.6 | 30 | 21 |
| 2017 | 674 | 76.4 | 31 | 25 |
| 2011 | 793 | 76.0 | 52 | 26 |
| 2024 | 667 | 73.3 | 26 | 25 |
| 2012 | 801 | 72.0 | 48 | 32 |
| 2014 | 751 | 68.1 | 29 | 17 |
| 2022 | 347 | 67.6 | 15 | 12 |
| 2015 | 694 | 64.7 | 22 | 26 |
| 2009 | 433 | 45.8 | 13 | 21 |
Stafford’s production and ability to push the ball downfield are his greatest strengths. Despite being 37 years old, he still has as much arm talent as any player in the NFL. His 46 touchdown passes are the most in a regular season since Aaron Rodgers threw 48 in 2020, while his 47 big-time throws are the most in a regular season since Patrick Mahomes recorded 48 in 2018.
Armed with a dynamic receiver duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, Stafford is not afraid to challenge defenses in any area of the field. His 9.5-yard average depth of target is tied for the fourth-highest in the NFL alongside fellow MVP contender Drake Maye, among multiple others.
Stafford led the NFL in PFF passing grade on 10-plus-yard throws (99.0) this season, and that mark ranks as the third-best PFF has ever recorded on such throws in a single season. Only Tom Brady in 2016 (99.9) and Aaron Rodgers in 2020 (99.4) have finished higher.
Stafford has also been able to produce at such a high level while taking care of the football. He’s thrown just eight interceptions this season while maintaining a solid 2.9% turnover-worthy play rate. He threw multiple interceptions in just two of the Rams’ 17 games this season.
Lastly, Stafford has produced at a high level against some of the NFL’s best defenses this season. In six games against defenses currently ranked in the top 10 in PFF grade, he recorded a PFF passing grade of 90.0 while throwing 15 touchdowns compared to two interceptions, generating 19 big-time throws and five turnover-worthy plays.
Stafford is playing the best football of his career as he enters the postseason in pursuit of his second Super Bowl title. His regular-season performance has earned him strong consideration for NFL Most Valuable Player honors, and if he sustains that level of play, a championship is well within reach.