Matthew Stafford is the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.
Let’s be real: at 37 years old, the guy is playing some of the most ridiculous football of his life. If you’ve been watching the 2025-2026 season, you know he hasn't just been "managing" games—he's been carving up defenses like it’s 2021 all over again. As of mid-January 2026, Stafford has the Rams deep in the postseason, coming off a wild 34-31 victory against the Carolina Panthers where he threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns.
Honestly, there was a point last year where people thought he might be done. The trade rumors were flying. People were talking about the Raiders or the Giants, and there was that whole weird story about him running into Tom Brady at a ski resort in Montana. But Stafford stayed put, restructured his deal, and then went out and led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) during the regular season.
He’s the undisputed QB1. No question.
👉 See also: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
The Current State of the Rams QB Room
Behind Stafford, the depth chart is actually more stable than it has been in years. Sean McVay finally seems to have a "just in case" plan that doesn't involve panicking.
- Matthew Stafford (Starter): He’s the ironman. Even with a negative X-ray on a finger injury from the Wild Card round, he’s slated to start this Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
- Jimmy Garoppolo (Backup): The veteran "Jimmy G" is the primary safety net. He’s got the Super Bowl experience and fits the McVay system surprisingly well as a quick-release distributor.
- Stetson Bennett IV (Third String): The former Georgia Bulldog is still around, mostly as the emergency option. He’s gotten a ton of reps in camp, but let's be honest, if the Rams are down to Bennett in a playoff game at Soldier Field, things have gone sideways.
It’s a fascinating room. You’ve got the elite Hall of Fame-track starter, the "seen-it-all" veteran backup, and the college legend prospect.
Why Stafford Still Matters in 2026
You might wonder why the Rams are still riding so hard with a quarterback pushing 38. It’s simple: he’s better now than he was five years ago. His chemistry with Puka Nacua has become the stuff of legend. Adding Davante Adams to the mix recently didn't hurt either. Stafford’s ability to manipulate safeties with his eyes is basically a cheat code at this point in his career.
✨ Don't miss: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
There is a bit of a narrative hurdle right now, though. The Rams are heading to Chicago for the Divisional Round, and the temperature is expected to be well below freezing. Critics love to point out that Stafford’s completion percentage usually dips when the thermometer hits 20 degrees. But if you ask McVay, he'll tell you that Stafford’s "moxie" (yes, they actually use that word) outweighs the weather.
He's currently the frontrunner for the league MVP, which is wild considering he’s the oldest starting quarterback left in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: The Contract and the Future
What happens after this playoff run? Stafford is under contract through 2026, and while none of his $40 million for next year is technically guaranteed yet, that changes on the fifth day of the new league year. Most insiders, including Mike Florio at NBC Sports, expect the Rams to keep him exactly where he is.
🔗 Read more: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
There’s even been talk from McVay suggesting Stafford could play "ten more years," though that’s probably just coach-speak for "please don't ever retire." Stafford himself has joked about the 2028 Olympics for flag football, implying he might be done with the NFL by then. But for right now, the Rams are all-in. They have the cap space (over $81 million for 2026) to keep the supporting cast together, including guys like Quentin Lake and Kyren Williams.
The team has basically built a "win-now" bubble around Stafford that could extend for another two or three seasons if his arm holds up.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking the Rams’ quarterback situation for the playoffs or your 2026 fantasy keeper leagues, keep these specifics in mind:
- Monitor the Finger: Stafford’s index finger on his throwing hand is the only thing that could slow him down. He played through it against Carolina, but grip becomes a massive issue in the Chicago cold.
- The Garoppolo Factor: If Stafford takes a big hit, Jimmy G is a "high-floor" backup. The offense won't change its playbook much, which is rare for a backup situation.
- The MVP Race: If the Rams beat the Bears this weekend, Stafford likely locks up the MVP over Drake Maye. That hardware usually correlates with a quarterback staying put and staying motivated.
Watch the injury reports leading up to Sunday’s kickoff at 6:30 p.m. EST. If Stafford is full-go in practice by Friday, expect the Rams' offense to operate at its usual high-flying pace, regardless of the wind chill.