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Undesirable Matthew Stafford Development Emerges on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 9:40 PM ET

Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are no longer in contention for the NFC West title. This development came even before they took the field on Monday night for a Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers both won on Sunday, which officially left L.A. out of the race for the division title. Nevertheless, the Rams have already clinched a playoff spot and can finish as either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed heading into the postseason.

The result of Monday’s game will still have a significant impact on how the Rams’ playoff picture will materialize.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew StaffordKelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Stafford, though, was off to a bad start in Monday’s primetime showdown. After going down 7-0 to Atlanta in the first quarter, the Rams gave up another touchdown in the second. This came after Stafford was intercepted by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, resulting in a pick-six.

This wasn’t just any turnover for Stafford, who found himself on the wrong end of NFL history after his 32nd career pick-six.

“With his 200th career INT, system QB Matthew Stafford has tied Brett Favre for the most pick sixes in NFL history (32),” reported David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard.

Unfortunately for Stafford, he threw his second interception of the night late in the first half. It wasn’t a pick-six, but it resulted in the Falcons scoring an incredible 93-yard rushing touchdown by Bijan Robinson in the ensuing snap. Atlanta went ahead 21-0 after the extra point.

Stafford, now in his 17th season in the NFL, has set an undesirable all-time record. Another pick-six will see him surpass Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre for the most in league history.

Nevertheless, Stafford is still in the midst of an MVP-worthy campaign for the Rams. Entering Monday’s game, the Super Bowl-winning QB has registered 341-of-519 completed passes (65.7%), for 4,179 yards and a league-best 40 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

The Rams will need every bit of Stafford’s elite-level play as they enter the second half down 21-0.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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