He isn't supposed to be doing this. Not at 37. Not after the years of getting pummeled in Detroit or the elbow issues that everyone thought would end his career two seasons ago. But here we are in early 2026, and Matthew Stafford is playing some of the most ridiculous football of his life.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild.
If you watched the Wild Card game against the Panthers last Saturday, you saw the "Stafford Experience" in its purest form. He bangs his hand against a defender's helmet, sprains his index finger, and just... keeps throwing. He finished that 34-31 win with over 300 yards and three touchdowns. Typical. Now, as the Rams prepare to head into a freezing Divisional Round matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, the narrative isn't about whether Stafford can play. It’s about how much he has left in the tank for a deep run.
The MVP Season Nobody Predicted
Most people figured Stafford would be a "steady veteran hand" while the Rams transitioned to a younger roster. They were wrong. He didn't just manage the game; he dominated it. Looking at the 2025 regular season stats, Stafford put up numbers that look like they're from a video game: 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns against only eight interceptions.
That 109.2 passer rating? That's elite.
It’s actually one of the best statistical seasons of his 17-year career. Sean McVay hasn't been shy about it either, recently calling Stafford the "MVP of the league" and saying there’s nobody else he’d rather have under center. It’s easy to see why. The chemistry he’s developed with Puka Nacua—who is basically a human highlight reel at this point—and the mid-season addition of Davante Adams has turned the Rams' offense into a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
✨ Don't miss: El Paso Locomotive FC Standings: Why the 2025 Surge Changes Everything for 2026
Why the Davante Adams Move Changed Everything
Before Adams arrived, teams could just bracket Nacua and dare the other receivers to win. But adding a veteran like Adams gave Stafford a "security blanket" that actually stretches the field. You've seen it in the red zone specifically. Adams has brought a physicality that allows Stafford to just "put it up there" in tight windows.
It's a luxury few 37-year-old quarterbacks have.
The Contract Reality and 2026 Future
There’s always talk about the money. NFL contracts are basically a giant puzzle that nobody except Les Snead fully understands, but the gist is this: Stafford is currently on a year-to-year mental clock, even if the paperwork says otherwise.
Earlier this year, the Rams and Stafford finalized terms that saw him earn $44 million for the 2025 season. But the real kicker? If he’s on the roster at the start of free agency in March 2026, he locks in another **$40 million**.
- 2026 Salary: $16,000,000 base + $24,000,000 signing bonus.
- Cap Hit: A massive $48.2 million.
- The "Dead Money" Problem: If they were to move on, they'd still be on the hook for over $41 million.
Basically, the Rams are all-in. They aren't looking for a successor yet. McVay mentioned during the Scouting Combine that he hopes Stafford plays "a couple more years," and as long as Stafford wants to keep taking hits, the job is his.
🔗 Read more: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
Toughness vs. Time
We have to talk about the injuries. It’s the elephant in the room. This past summer, Stafford was dealing with back soreness that kept him out of a chunk of training camp. Then there were the cracked ribs from late 2024. Now, it's the finger.
He’s tough. Everyone knows that.
But playing in the cold at Soldier Field with a sprained index finger on your throwing hand isn't exactly a recipe for comfort. Stafford spent 12 years in Detroit, so he’s used to the NFC North "frozen tundra" vibe, but 37-year-old bones feel the cold a bit differently than 22-year-old bones.
The medical staff says he's a full go. McVay says there are "no limitations." If he can grip the ball, he’s going to let it rip.
What This Means for Your Sunday
If you're looking at how this impacts the Rams' chances, you've got to look at the "Stafford Effect." He makes the offensive line look better because he gets rid of the ball so fast. He makes the run game—led by Kyren Williams—more effective because defenses can't stack the box without getting burned deep by Nacua or Adams.
💡 You might also like: Dodgers Black Heritage Night 2025: Why It Matters More Than the Jersey
Key things to watch for in the Divisional Round:
- The Grip: Watch the first few throws. If Stafford is missing high or the ball is wobbling, that finger is an issue.
- The Protection: The Bears have a fierce pass rush. If Stafford starts taking "dirt naps" early, it’s going to be a long day.
- The Adams Factor: Look for how often Stafford looks for Davante on 3rd and short. That’s where the veteran trust shows up.
The Rams are currently sitting at 13-5 and looking like a team that can actually win it all. Again. It’s sort of surreal when you think about where this team was expected to be two years ago. But that's what happens when you have a quarterback who refuses to age and a coach who refuses to stop innovating.
Stafford isn't just a "bridge" to the future. He is the window. And right now, that window is wide open.
Actionable Insights for Rams Fans
If you're following the Rams' playoff push, keep an eye on the official injury reports released on Friday. While the finger sprain is "mild," any setback in practice would be a disaster. Also, watch the Vegas lines; the movement on the Rams-Bears spread usually tells you exactly what the professional bettors think about Stafford's health.
Next, pay attention to the Rams' offensive line rotation. If they can keep Stafford clean for four quarters, his 46-touchdown arm is usually enough to beat anyone in the NFC.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through some cold cities this year, but with #9 under center, Los Angeles has a puncher's chance against anyone.