Despite MVP season, Rams Matthew Stafford is underestimated once more

Which NFL teams have the most impressive quarterback room in 2026? The question is open for debate, particularly amidst the offseason, as the NFL draft has yet to occur. But FanSided's Christopher Kline is more than happy to fixate his decision on breadcrumbs. And while he doesn't disrespect Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in his recent rankings, he doesn't give him a fair shake either.

The 2025 Most Valuable Player should be among the top two quarterbacks of 2025. But somehow, Kline shines the spotlight on a trio of AFC quarterbacks, two of whom have yet to win a Super Bowl. Two of whom could not lead their respective teams to more than six wins last season.

So what was the criteria? That's hard to say.

Any ranking that slips Matthew Stafford behind perennial disappointments like Cincinnati Bengals Joe Burrow and Buffalo Bills Josh Allen is a bit suspect. But toss in Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes after what was arguably his worst season, and the entire exercise radiates poking-the-hornets-nest vibes.

Matthew Stafford is being underestimated, again

A March ranking of any NFL position is fraught with perceptions and presumptions over facts. Yes, the LA Rams only boast Stafford and backup quarterback Stetson Bennett. But there is no doubt that the team will sign either Jimmy Garoppolo or Kirk Cousins before training camp gets underway. Will that change the quarterback room?

It will.

Well, what about the other three quarterbacks on his list above Starrod?

• Joe Burrow: "His blend of velocity, accuracy and touch is virtually unmatched. He's probably the best pure thrower in the NFL"
• Patrick Mahomes: "The Chiefs are looking to rebound after a hellish 2025 campaign, and Mahomes will be returning from an Achilles tear, which can be complicated. At the end of the day, however, he's the greatest quarterback of his generation"
• Josh Allen: "Allen is the closest we have to a superhero in today's NFL. He can do everything at the quarterback position"

Best, greatest, superhero. That's a lot of superlatives spread across three quarterbacks whose team records in 2025 combined for 24 wins and 27 losses. After all, it's not just a quarterback zipping spirals. It takes tight ends, wide receivers, and running backs to be on the receiving end of passes.

So, quarterbacks are not the epitome of leadership as presented. And therein lies the rub.

Now, don't get me wrong. All three quarterbacks rated better than Stafford are good quarterbacks in their own right. But not all three are better than Stafflord. None were among the Top 10 NFL passing yard leaders. Only Josh Allen cracked the top 10 in passing touchdowns.

Only Joe Burrow threw fewer interceptions than Stafford, and that is because he played in fewer than half the games.

Objectively, Matthew Stafford remains the best quarterback in the NFL. Subjectively, anyone can be featured in a spotlight of what-if scenarios. But it's a bit early to be underestimating Stafford, isn't it? At least allow training camp to arrive and his back injury to flare up before defrocking him.

As always, thanks for reading.