In the high-stakes world of the National Football League, momentum can be a fleeting commodity. A single rough patch can derail even the most promising start, while a powerful closing stretch can completely reshape a team's fortunes. This season, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams experienced this dynamic firsthand, transforming uncertainty into a compelling Most Valuable Player narrative.
From MVP Buzz to Doubt and Back Again
What began as a campaign filled with early MVP speculation for Stafford briefly encountered turbulence midway through the schedule. The Rams hit a noticeable lull, Stafford's name disappeared from prominent betting boards, and the league's attention seemed to shift elsewhere. Yet within the Rams' organization, there was no sense of panic. Stafford remained characteristically composed, drawing upon his extensive experience to orchestrate a late-season resurgence that reminded the football world why he remains among the elite at his position.
Statistical Dominance and Official Recognition
By the conclusion of the regular season, Stafford's performance metrics painted a definitive picture of excellence. He amassed an impressive 4,707 passing yards, accounted for 46 total touchdowns, and demonstrated remarkable ball security with just eight interceptions. This outstanding production, combined with the Rams' team success, captured the attention of the Pro Football Writers of America.
On January 21, the organization made its decision public through the Los Angeles Rams' official social media channel. "PFWA has named Matthew Stafford their 2025 MVP!..." the announcement declared. This recognition carries substantial weight due to historical precedent. The PFWA MVP award has closely aligned with the prestigious Associated Press MVP honor for decades. Since 1975, the two awards have diverged only eight times, with just a single discrepancy occurring since 2003. Last season's split between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen represents a notable exception to this pattern.
The Pending AP Decision and Supporting Evidence
This historical context becomes particularly relevant with the AP MVP scheduled for announcement on February 5 during the 2026 NFL Honors ceremony. Adding considerable strength to Stafford's candidacy, analyst Jonathan Jones highlighted that AP voters also selected Stafford as a First Team All Pro, a designation that frequently correlates with MVP alignment.
Stafford's postseason performance has further solidified his case. He engineered the Rams' first playoff victory in below-freezing temperatures since at least 2000 and now maintains an impressive 7-2 postseason record with the franchise. According to Fox Sports statistics, he boasts a remarkable 4-1 record in Divisional Round games or later in the playoffs.
A Career Built on Clutch Performances
The broader scope of Stafford's career achievements provides additional context for his MVP consideration. ESPN tracking data reveals that Stafford has engineered 55 career game-winning drives, more than any other quarterback since his NFL debut in 2009. These decisive moments, accumulated over years of high-level play, continue to define his professional legacy.
Since his arrival from Detroit in 2021, Stafford has been instrumental in guiding the Rams to a Super Bowl championship and now their most successful season since that title run. He has consistently credited head coach Sean McVay for establishing the stability and mutual trust that have characterized this productive period.
The Unavoidable Conclusion
While additional awards remain to be distributed, the trajectory appears unmistakable. Stafford didn't merely resuscitate his MVP prospects during the season's final chapters; he constructed a case that became impossible to overlook. His combination of statistical excellence, team leadership, and proven clutch performance has positioned him at the forefront of the league's most prestigious individual honor conversation.
