Rams’ all-in approach in 2026 makes a lot of sense when you see what the rest of the NFL just said about QB Matthew Stafford
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, and when you see how high he ranked among other NFL quarterbacks, you will see why the Rams are excited about 2026.
Matthew Stafford cracked the top 3 in ESPN’s quarterback rankings for the 2026 NFL season, climbing from No. 6 a year ago after his MVP campaign. The Los Angeles Rams signal-caller earned the spot in a poll of NFL personnel conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, slotting in behind Josh Allen at No. 1 and Patrick Mahomes at No. 2. Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson rounded out the top 5.
The ranking makes a ton of sense. Stafford’s 2025 tape showed one of the best quarterbacks in football, full stop. His ability to layer the football into tight windows, throw from multiple platforms and angles, and anticipate targets over the middle of the field separated him from the pack. The truth is, what makes the ranking so striking is the context surrounding it.
Matthew Stafford 2025 stats
- 4,707 passing yards.
- 46 passing touchdowns.
- Completed 65% of his passes.
Stafford’s age makes the ranking remarkable
Stafford is 38 years old. He’ll turn 40 in a couple of seasons. The two quarterbacks ranked above him, Allen and Mahomes, are both 30. The two ranked below him, Burrow and Jackson, are in their late 20s and early 30s. For Stafford to still possess what many consider the strongest arm in the league at his age is nothing short of extraordinary.
Los Angeles re-signed Stafford this offseason despite drafting Ty Simpson because the front office recognizes what the tape confirms. On any given Sunday, Stafford is capable of outplaying every quarterback in the league. His chemistry with coach Sean McVay remains elite, and the way the two operate together within that offensive system continues to produce results at the highest level.
What this means for the Rams in 2026
Stafford’s jump from No. 6 to No. 3 reflects the MVP season he put together, and it signals that NFL personnel view the Rams as legitimate contenders heading into the fall. This is likely the highest Stafford will ever climb on this list given where he is in his career, but that shouldn’t diminish what the ranking represents.
The bottom line is this: Stafford proved in 2025 that age is just a number when the arm talent, football IQ, and coaching partnership all align. The Rams have their franchise quarterback playing at a peak level, and as long as that continues, Los Angeles will remain in the conversation among the NFL’s best.
Whether the No. 3 ranking feels too high, too low, or just right probably depends on how much weight you place on the supporting cast around him versus what Stafford does on his own. To me, the film speaks for itself.