NFL executives react to Rams' Matthew Stafford becoming MVP candidate at age 37

As Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk noted, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is now part of the NFL Most Valuable Player Award race. Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams to a comfortable 34-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, moving to a 6-2 record. 

In a piece published Tuesday, The Athletic's Jeff Howe spoke with multiple team executives about Stafford still playing at a top-tier level at the age of 37.

Matthew Stafford is still elite at 37

"I’m not at all surprised he’s playing at such a high level," one rival executive said about Stafford. "He still has an elite skill set. I’m actually more surprised whenever he doesn’t play well." 

Rams personnel seemingly doubted that Stafford would keep producing at a "high level" for much longer after the club failed to make a long-term commitment to him following the 2024 season. He and the Rams are now taking things "a year at a time" after he left some money on the table to stay with the organization. 

The Stafford-led Rams and Seattle Seahawks are tied atop the NFC West division standings, while the San Francisco 49ers are 6-3. The Niners host the Rams this Sunday. 

"Stafford is a dude," a different executive told Howe. "He has lost nothing on his arm. The guy can sling it. His mind is amazing." 

Is Matthew Stafford underrated compared to other MVP candidates?

According to Pro Football Reference, Stafford heads into Week 10 leading the NFL among qualified players with an average of 268.4 passing yards per game and 21 passing touchdowns. He's sixth with a 113.2 passer rating and 10th with a 66.5 adjusted QBR. 

"He’s one of the most underrated QBs ever," a third executive said about Stafford. "He’s always been excellent."

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Stafford fourth among the betting favorites at +550 odds to claim the regular-season MVP Award. To compare, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills topped the list at +180 odds. 

Perhaps defeating the 49ers at Levi's Stadium would be enough to make Stafford a top-three MVP candidate.