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NFL analyst rates Rams Matthew Stafford as top NFC West QB, and it's not close

Matthew Stafford is still the Comeback Kid, at least in 1 NFL analyst's view.
ByBret Stuter|
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams | Kara Durrette/GettyImages

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, fans always speculate about how long he can perform at an elite level. While Stafford has given cause to hope for the best and fear the worst, some NFL analysts still hold him in very high regard. One such NFL analyst, Jarrett Bailey, views Stafford as still performing among the NFL's best at the position.

In his 2025 quarterback rankings, Bailey has Rams QB Matthew Stafford at five. So, where do the other NFC West quarterbacks come in? They are:

  • LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford - 5th
  • Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray - 17th
  • San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy - 20th
  • Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold - 21st

Now the question is: Does this make sense?

I suppose that all depends on your criteria, doesn't it? If it's yards per game, Stafford was among the NFL's top 10 passers (with 400 or more passing attempts). If it's completion percentage from 2024, he's a bit further down the rankings. But if it's throwing a catchable ball over 20+ air yards? He's your guy:

Well, the point is that to understand the 'best passer' category, there is more to it than passing yards and touchdown throws. There are completion rates, air yards per throw, and even the wide receivers have a hand in the QB rating by being where they need to be when they need to be there.

And with the other variables of fourth-quarter comebacks, the balance understandably begins to tilt in favor of Stafford. And that is all while factoring in the down year for Stafford in 2024. Can Stafford rediscover the fountain of youth that powered him in 2023? The Rams are counting on that.

Is Matthew Stafford the hands-down best quarterback in the NFC West right now? Well, he is throwing to WRs Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and a newly-leased Tutu Atwell, as well as TEs Tyler Higbee and rookie Terrance Ferguson. So it stands to reason that a great quarterback with a great cast of targets will do well.

Stafford knows that his football days are running out for him. That could make him a very dangerous quarterback in 2025. And so far, at least one NFL analyst understands exactly what that means.

As always, thanks for reading.

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