Three reasons why Rams QB Matthew Stafford merits MVP consideration

Los Angeles Rams star quarterback Matthew Stafford is having one of the best seasons of his 17-year career.

The 2009 No. 1 overall pick is torching defenses, tossing 30 touchdown passes to only two interceptions and leading the Rams to a 9-2 record, one game ahead of the Seattle Seahawks atop the NFC West.

If Stafford continues playing at this level, he could win his first MVP award. Here’s why he should be a top contender:

1. Matthew Stafford has stellar pass protection

One of the biggest factors for Stafford's prolific season is the outstanding pass protection from his offensive line. Over the past four games — including a 34-7 Week 12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which he threw for 273 yards and three TDs — he has been sacked only four times. (Opponents have sacked him only 15 times overall, the third-best figure in the league, according to StatMuse).

When a quarterback like Stafford has consistent time to operate in the pocket and work through his reads, the entire offense will thrive.

Notably, Stafford is the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for 30 or more touchdowns and have fewer than five interceptions through a team's first 11 games. 

Plus, Stafford has thrown for 25 touchdowns since his last interception in Week 3. The former Georgia quarterback recently made history by becoming the first player to throw 20-plus touchdowns with zero interceptions over a six-game span — a streak that is now at eight.

2. Matthew Stafford benefits from star power

Stafford has been uplifted by standout wideouts Puka Nacua and Davante Adams — a fact noted by CBS Sports analyst Bryant McFadden, a former NFL cornerback.

"They have star power that plays within the game [Puka Nacua and Davante Adams], and their quarterback is the leading catalyst for all of their success. [H]e is the ultimate point guard for their offense, he's like the Chris Paul of their offense," he said, referencing the future Basketball Hall of Famer. 

Nacua ranks third in receiving in the NFL with 947 yards and four touchdown catches. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Adams has 12 touchdown catches — his highest total since 2022, when he had 14 with the Raiders — and 631 yards receiving.

3. Matthew Stafford is on impressive TD pass pace

Stafford is on pace for 46 touchdown passes, which would tie him with former New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees for the seventh-most TD passes in a season. (Peyton Manning holds the NFL record with 55, set in 2013 with the Denver Broncos.)

If he doesn't throw another interception this season and wins the award, his two picks would be the fewest by an MVP since Green Bay's Bart Starr threw just three in 1966. It's also worth noting that Stafford would be one of six other quarterbacks to earn an MVP award at age 37 or older. 

Stafford, a two-time Pro Bowler, has racked up numerous honors — from NFL Comeback Player of the Year to a Super Bowl title. An MVP this season would add an exclamation point to a career worthy of Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.