If you’ve spent any time watching the NFC West lately, you know the vibe in Los Angeles is basically "In Stafford We Trust." As of early 2026, the answer to who is the starting qb for the rams hasn't changed, even if the guy at the helm is now 37 years old and has more miles on his arm than a long-haul trucker.
Matthew Stafford is still the man.
Honestly, after the way 2025 went, it’s a bit of a miracle. Stafford just wrapped up a regular season where he looked less like a fading veteran and more like a guy who discovered the fountain of youth in a Thousand Oaks strip mall. He threw for over 4,700 yards and a staggering 46 touchdowns.
People were literally calling for his retirement a couple of years ago. Now? He's leading the Rams into a Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The Stafford Era: Why He’s Still the One
Sean McVay’s offense is famously "mental." It’s not just about having a big arm; it’s about knowing where the safety is moving before the safety even knows himself. Stafford’s experience—17 years in the league—is the glue holding this high-flying Rams unit together.
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You’ve got Puka Nacua turning into a target monster and Davante Adams (remember that trade?) adding a veteran polish that most secondaries just can't handle.
But it’s not all sunshine.
Stafford is currently dealing with a sprained finger on his throwing hand. He picked it up during the Wild Card win against the Panthers. Naturally, he’s telling everyone he’ll be fine and even joked about wearing a "scuba suit" to stay warm in the Chicago freeze. That’s the Stafford way. He’s tough, he’s slightly stubborn, and he’s the clear reason why the Rams are still relevant in a post-Aaron Donald world.
The Guys Behind the Glass: The Depth Chart
If Stafford’s finger turns into something worse, or if the hits finally catch up to him, the Rams aren't exactly empty-handed. But there's a big drop-off in terms of how this offense functions.
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Jimmy Garoppolo: The Safety Net
The primary backup is Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G is the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" quarterback. He’s 34, he’s been to Super Bowls, and he knows how to manage a game. The Rams liked him enough to bring him back on a one-year deal for 2025, and while he hasn't had to start a game this season, he’s seen the field in garbage time.
Stetson Bennett: The Perpetual Project
Then there’s Stetson Bennett. The former Georgia Bulldog is the QB3. He’s been the "emergency" quarterback for almost every game this season. It's been a weird road for Bennett—lots of time away from the team in his rookie year and now firmly entrenched at the bottom of the depth chart. He hasn’t recorded a regular-season stat yet. At this point, he's more of a "what if" than a "when."
Looking Ahead: Is the End Near?
Despite Stafford’s MVP-caliber 2025 season, the front office isn't blind. They know they can’t ride a 37-year-old forever. There are already whispers about the 2026 NFL Draft.
Because of the trade with the Falcons, the Rams actually have two first-round picks this year. That is huge. While mock drafts are currently pegging them for defensive help (like Jermod McCoy out of Tennessee), the quarterback class of 2026 is looking deep. Names like Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava are already being linked to LA by analysts who think McVay is itching to develop a young successor.
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But for right now? None of that matters to the guys in the locker room.
The focus is entirely on the playoffs. Stafford is the guy. He’s the one who makes the Davante Adams and Puka Nacua connection work. He’s the one who understands McVay’s frantic sideline signals.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of the Rams' quarterback situation throughout the 2026 playoffs, keep an eye on these specific indicators:
- The Friday Injury Report: Specifically look for Stafford’s "Full" vs. "Limited" participation status regarding his finger. If he’s limited on a Friday, expect Garoppolo to take significantly more first-team reps in practice.
- The Scuba Suit Factor: Stafford’s ability to grip the ball in sub-zero Chicago temperatures will determine if the Rams can lean on the passing game or if they’ll have to feed Kyren Williams 30 times.
- The 2026 Draft Order: Keep an eye on where those two first-round picks land. If the Rams pick stays late (25-32) and the Falcons pick stays mid-round, they have the capital to move up for a franchise QB if Stafford decides to call it a career after this run.
The Rams are in a "win now" window that feels like it’s been open for a decade. As long as Stafford is upright and throwing touchdowns to Nacua, the question of who the starter is remains the easiest one in football to answer.