(Photo: LA Times)
2. Matthew Stafford: And welcome to the final two! In all my years of doing this project, this is the fewest quarterbacks I’ve included. Usually, I have three or four quarterbacks at most. I remember when this next player was starring for the Georgia Bulldogs, and in 2009, he became the first overall pick of the Detroit Lions. I’ll just come out and say it: Calvin Johnson doesn’t have a gold jacket without this man throwing him the football. Plain and simple. Before the 2021 season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, and people finally got to see just how great of a quarterback he truly is. Matthew Stafford is the fourth and final player making his debut on this project this year, and he checks in as my No. 2-ranked player in the league and my top-rated quarterback entering the 2026 season.
Matthew may not receive the same recognition as many of his peers, and it’s understandable why he’s flown under the radar at times throughout his career. When he entered the league, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were still among the NFL’s best, Aaron Rodgers was emerging as a household name, Drew Brees was still at the top of his game, and Ben Roethlisberger was playing at a high level. As Matthew got older, Patrick Mahomes became a starter, while Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen all entered the league. Even with so many high-profile names at the position, Matthew has consistently found a way to keep himself in the conversation. He possesses one of the most gifted arms the NFL has ever seen, and even at this stage of his career, he can still throw the football with outstanding zip and velocity. The first thing that stands out is his ability to attack every level of the field and throw from virtually any platform. Whether it’s a deep post, a crossing route, or a tight-window throw between defenders, Matthew has the confidence and arm talent to fit the football into places most quarterbacks wouldn’t even attempt. Over the last few seasons, I’ve said he’s entered his “Drew Brees era” because of the way he spreads the ball around while making accurate, precise throws, much like the Hall of Famer did throughout his career. However, I believe the greatest strength of Matthew’s game is his anticipation. He throws receivers open instead of waiting for them to become open, which is a trait shared by the league’s elite quarterbacks. As a savvy veteran, he trusts his eyes and isn’t afraid to release the football before his receiver makes his break. That level of timing keeps opposing defenses on their heels. While he’s never been known for his mobility, Matthew displays outstanding pocket movement. He subtly slides away from pressure, resets his feet, and keeps his eyes downfield instead of immediately looking to run. The most underrated aspect of his game, though, is his toughness. Throughout his career, he’s played through injuries that would have sidelined many quarterbacks. His toughness has never been questioned, and both teammates and opponents respect his willingness to battle through adversity.
For the longest time, I believed 2021 was the best season of Matthew’s career. It was his first year in a Rams uniform, and he led the franchise to both a division championship and a Super Bowl title. However, I believe last season surpassed even that campaign from an individual standpoint. Matthew went eight consecutive games without throwing an interception before that streak came to an end in Week 13. He finished the season with 4,707 passing yards and a league-leading 46 touchdown passes, earning the first MVP award of his career. I can’t wait to see what he does for an encore this season.
