Stafford leads NFL with 42 TDs, contending for MVP against Maye, Prescott
Matthew Stafford's bid for the NFL MVP title intensifies as he heads into a pivotal Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Why it matters: As the season winds down, Stafford finds himself in the spotlight not only for his team’s playoff aspirations but also for individual accolades. Winning the MVP would mark a historic achievement for the seasoned quarterback, who at 37 has yet to receive the award despite an impressive career.
- Currently, Stafford holds +225 odds to win the MVP, trailing only Drake Maye of the New England Patriots, who has -295 odds.
- If successful, Stafford would become the oldest player to capture his first MVP award, adding another layer of significance to his already storied career.
What’s new: Despite a mixed performance in Week 17, where he completed 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons, Stafford leads the league with 42 passing touchdowns this season—a personal best.
- He is also second in total passing yards with 4,448, just behind Dak Prescott, underscoring his role as a critical playmaker in the Rams' offense.
Yes, but: Stafford is not solely focused on individual recognition. His comments reflect a pragmatic approach to the MVP discussions and a strong appreciation for his teammates.
- "I'm not too worried about it," Stafford stated when asked about the MVP race.
- He acknowledged, "But the cool thing about that is just because I've got such a great group around me," emphasizing the collaborative nature of success in football.
By the numbers: Stafford's career statistics further solidify his candidacy for the MVP award.
- With 419 career passing touchdowns, he is just one shy of tying Dan Marino for seventh-most in NFL history.
- Recently, he passed Ben Roethlisberger to move into sixth place on the all-time passing yards list, showcasing his longevity and consistent performance over nearly two decades in the league.
What to watch: The upcoming game against the Cardinals will be crucial for Stafford’s MVP hopes, as a strong performance could bolster his chances significantly.
- Completing the season on a high note may sway voters in his favor, especially if he can maintain his current pace of productivity while navigating a competitive NFC West.
The bottom line: As Matthew Stafford approaches the end of the regular season, his quest for the MVP award serves as both a personal milestone and a testament to his enduring talent in the NFL, reinforcing his legacy among the league's elite quarterbacks.
