NFL intelligence feed

Stafford, the 2025 NFL MVP, is returning for his age-38 season and remains brilliant in the arm, posting league-leading 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes in 2025 despite working with a talented but shallow receiver stable. His ability to make difficult throws look normal suggests continued elite production.

Stafford is healthy heading into 2026 training camp after dealing with a back injury last season that caused him to miss the majority of camp time. Coach Sean McVay confirmed the reigning MVP is "feeling good" but will be placed on a modified training camp schedule to keep him fresh and ready for Week 1 against the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia on Sept. 10. Stafford will not practice on Days 1 and 3 of the Rams' four-day practice block and will skip the first training camp practice on Sunday, instead doing independent work to manage his body.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Stafford looked 'sharp,' 'distributed the ball really well' and 'played with timing and rhythm' during his first practice of training camp on Monday. Stafford is healthy heading into camp and on a modified schedule to keep him 'fresh and ready to go' for the Week 1 game against the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

Stafford is listed among 15 quarterbacks with upside to deliver solid QB1 numbers in 2026, available in Rounds 8-9, positioning him as a value option.

Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, is still the Rams' starter despite the team drafting quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 draft; Stafford came up just short of leading Los Angeles to another Super Bowl appearance last year after his 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns led the NFL.

Stafford's late-season schedule offers exploitable matchups; Week 15 features a potential shootout at home against the Cowboys when weather could be a factor for the Dolphins in Green Bay, Week 17 championship week offers Stafford at Tampa Bay as a favorable option.

Stafford is projected to be third in passing yards at 4,126 and second with 29.7 passing TDs; Matthew Berry targets him as part of a late-round QB tandem strategy, noting his blowup TD seasons and last year's NFL MVP award, with both QBs going after fantasy football ADP of 100.

MVP Matthew Stafford is a key returning starter for the 2026 Rams offense, which led the league in scoring with 518 points in 2025. The offense is expected to improve further with head coach Sean McVay's new '13' personnel schemes, positioning Stafford as the anchor of a potential undefeated team.

MVP Matthew Stafford is returning as the Rams' starting quarterback for 2026. The Rams led the league in scoring last year with 518 points, and Stafford is a key piece of an offense that could improve further with head coach Sean McVay's new '13' personnel offensive schemes.

Reigning MVP being placed near the top of nearly every preseason quarterback ranking, reflecting confidence in his 2025 season performance despite age and injury concerns.

Stafford was the 2025 MVP and remains the centerpiece of an offense that led the league in scoring with 518 points last year; he is returning for the 2026 season as the Rams' primary offensive engine under head coach Sean McVay, who is implementing new '13' personnel offensive schemes that could improve the unit further.

Stafford's career arc—12 seasons with Detroit Lions, Super Bowl championship in first Rams season, followed by 2022 injury-plagued season, roster turnover, and contract negotiations—makes him a compelling documentary subject. His personality, toughness, leadership, and football intelligence are consistently praised by teammates; viewers would see Sean McVay's offensive meetings, Stafford's no-look throws in practice, and weekly preparation against elite defenses. As one of the NFL's last remaining pure pocket passers, every season feels increasingly meaningful, and a documentary following his pursuit of another Super Bowl would be a strong storyline.

After last year, it's surprising Stafford is available this late; age is a big factor, but Stafford has always been a hard worker in the gym and has consulted Tom Brady to generate a quality training regimen; the Rams are an elite, balanced offense on the cutting edge of testing defenses, and Stafford has lost little as a thrower, meaning his arm is still better than most.

Waldman selects Stafford as his QB in Draft No. 2, indicating he values Stafford as a middle-round QB option with upside comparable to his selections of Brock Purdy and Baker Mayfield in Draft No. 1.

After last year, it's surprising Stafford is available this late in drafts. While age is a factor, Stafford has always been a hard worker in the gym and has consulted Tom Brady to generate a quality training regimen. The Rams are an elite, balanced offense on the cutting edge of testing defenses, and Stafford has lost little as a thrower—his arm is still better than most. Few trap doors with his game this year.

Waldman selects Stafford at pick 97 in Draft No. 2, indicating he values Stafford as a QB option with top-five ceiling potential in the middle rounds.