NFL survey hints at what Rams fans have known about Matthew Stafford all season

2025 has been one of the craziest years in memory for the 11-4 Los Angeles Rams and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. After one of the most unlikely off-season storylines (which we'll discuss later), Stafford has roared to life as one of the NFL's most accomplished quarterbacks.

NFL Insider Tom Pelissero recently documented a survey of 30 NFL executives regarding season awards. While the results are less-than-shocking, one result is very impressive. Veteran quarterback Stafford appears to be the front-runner for the prestigious NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

This season, the 37-year-old quarterback has thrown for 4,179 yards, 40 touchdowns and five interceptions in just 15 games. He is shining despite a varying receiving corps, completing passes to 12 players and throwing touchdowns to nine.

Yes, he has been blessed with elite wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but his best work has been elevating the production from a no-name tight end corps that has erupted for yards and scores this season.

Matthew Stafford has risen from offseason ashes to boast his career best

Stafford has thrown for at least three passing touchdowns and 280 passing yards five times this year. No other NFL quarterback has achieved those numbers more than twice this season. While that is phenomenal, it's become the standard that fans have come to expect from the former Georgia Bulldog passer.

Ironically, this was a season that almost never happened. After all, when contract negotiations halted at an impasse, general manager Les Snead allowed his quarterback to find an acceptable NFL team willing to trade for him. That trade never happened.

Training camp never happened for Stafford. Back pain prohibited him from suiting up throughout training camp. That prompted wild speculation about Stafford's imminent retirement.

No, Stafford wasn't traded. He did agree to a contract extension. He was able to suit up and play every game in the regular season. And no, retirement is the last thing on his or the team's mind. It's just been that type of year.

The Rams' starting quarterback is enjoying football. So much so that he has his offensive linemen chortling and guffawing over his touchdown celebrations. He is still every bit as competitive as before, but now he is savoring each game, each play.

And it shows.

Matthew Stafford's name has been in the MVP conversation for weeks. As the season winds down, his chances of being named the NFL's MVP recipient are heating up, and deservedly so. Many quarterbacks look good in head coach Sean McVay's pocket. But no quarterback has the mastery to optimize this offense on nearly every play.

As always, thanks for reading.