Matthew Stafford’s push for an MVP Season

Henry Mattesich, Alexander DeBoer, and Gabriel Gamble

February 27, 2026

The NFL week 15 begins soon and Matthew Stafford is making a run for the Most Valuable Player award

The attention is all on Matt Stafford. Graphic by: Henry Mattesich

More than halfway through the NFL season, there have been many potential favorites for the Most Valuable Player award. Matthew Stafford, the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, appears to be having an MVP-caliber season, which ultimately makes him a deserving candidate for the MVP award. Stafford has led the Los Angeles Rams to a 10-3 record. The Rams are at the top of the NFC and are projected to secure the first seed with a first-round bye. Many say that the Rams are Super Bowl favorites. Luke Clemow ‘27 said, “So far, the Rams look very good with both Stafford and Nacua having a very strong connection.”

Stafford has been in the league for 17 seasons, 12 with the Lions and five with the Rams. Stafford is the Team Captain of the Rams and he leads through toughness, preparation and trust rather than flashiness.

Before the season started, people questioned whether he would be able to perform the way he has been the past couple of years because he was dealing with a back injury that emerged during training camp. Stafford sat out most of the training camp, having many Rams fans worried. Alec Martinez ‘27 said, “I was really scared when I heard that Stafford wasn’t practicing, but as soon as the season started, he started to look like himself, and he has been playing very well.”

Yet the back injury hasn’t stopped him from playing great. This season, Stafford has been the driving force behind the Rams’ offense. His command of the offense and ability to break down the defenses before the snap and during the plays have kept the Rams competing week after week. Stafford has generational arm talent. He has made no-look passes and other crazy arm-angle passes.

Will Matthew Stafford win the MVP? Graphic by: Alex DeBoer

NFL fans often judge players almost entirely by statistics. Quarterbacks are compared by touchdown totals, passer rating and interception numbers. Matthew Stafford has thrown the most touchdowns in the league so far, with a total of 35 touchdowns. He is on track to throw 46 touchdowns, which is nine touchdowns away from the record. Many will say that quarterback for the New England Patriots, Drake Maye, is leading the MVP race. Although I would say it’s a close match between the two, Stafford has more touchdowns, a better passer rating and has also thrown less interceptions, with Stafford throwing four and Maye with six. Therefore, this truly comes to show why Matthew Stafford deserves the award for the Most Valuable Player.

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About the Contributors

Henry Mattesich, Broadcast/Podcast Editor

Henry is a junior at VHS and is in his second year at The Cougar Press. He enjoys rock climbing, US History, Formula 1 and Star Wars. His least favorite president is Andrew Johnson, his favorite Formula 1 team is Mercedes and his favorite Star Wars movie is The Empire Strikes Back (absolutely CLEARS Revenge of the Sith).

Alexander DeBoer, Staffer

Alex DeBoer is a junior at VHS in his first year at The Cougar Press. He enjoys running, hiking, travelling and hanging out with friends.

Gabriel Gamble, Staffer

Gabe Gamble is a junior at VHS and in his first year at The Cougar Press. He enjoys going to the beach, playing soccer, watching sports and spending time with his family.