ESPN recently polled executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and the Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford came in at No. 3.
After an MVP season, the 38-year-old is ranked behind only Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.
Is Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford the NFL’s 3rd Best Quarterback?
Given his age, Stafford may not be the best long-term choice to build for the future, but his gameplay over the past few seasons has been second to none.
How Good is Stafford?
Stafford led the league in passing yards and touchdowns last season, making him the league’s best passing attack. The combination of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams unlocked a one-two punch that opposing defenses couldn’t guard.
Stafford became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to record at least 45 touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions in a season. Stafford now joins Aaron Rodgers (2020 and 2021) and Tom Brady (2007).
“Nobody played better than him last year, and it wasn’t even close,” an NFL head coach said.
While ESPN ranked Stafford third, he has a case to be ranked first. Stafford has been the best pure passer over the past few seasons. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Stafford as the best quarterback last season, and he has also been one of the best since 2021, when he was traded to the Rams.
Stafford Should Be No. 1
While Allen and Mahomes are ranked ahead of Stafford, Stafford has a legitimate case for the No. 1 spot. Mahomes had a down season last year and Allen has had problems in the playoffs. While both quarterbacks are wildly talented, Stafford has been better over the last few seasons.
A season before he won MVP experts were already calling Stafford the best quarterback in the league.
“We were saying, who’s the best quarterback in the NFC? And Matthew Stafford’s name came up without even thinking about it,” Greg Cosell said on the Ross Tucker Podcast in 2024.
One reason for Stafford’s ranking is his access to excellent management and coaching.
“It’s part of the reason why some voters are hesitant to elevate Stafford: His surroundings are clean. “The system helps him,” an NFL coordinator said. “He has an elite offensive coach and elite weapons. He’s great, don’t get me wrong. He has advantages that some of the other quarterbacks don’t have.”
While McVay’s system helps Stafford, the veteran quarterback is the perfect quarterback to run the operation. Built to protect the quarterback with the 13 personnel-based offense, Stafford thrives in the opportunity to throw with space. McVay’s playcalling allows Stafford to thrive and the tandem is one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
“Stafford and McVay is now the best quarterback-coach duo in the league,” an anonymous AFC offensive coach said.
Stafford’s MVP year obviously contributed to his ranking with 17% of the first-place votes. His ability to turn plays on paper into incredible touchdowns elevate him beyond almost anyone.
Stafford is also a dying breed. One of the last pure pocket passers left, Stafford is still playing strong. He demonstrates that skill and talent is so much more than athleticism.
Regardless of his team, coach, or front office, Stafford has been the NFL’s best quarterback. Now, with the Rams as favorites to win the Super Bowl, Stafford will have a chance to prove why he deserves to be ranked No. 1.
