Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is trending in an encouraging direction, specifically when it comes to the most prestigious individual award one can earn in the NFL, the Most Valuable Player.
Stafford rebounded from an in-season lull to regain his perch as the betting favorite to win the award, voted on each season by the Associated Press.
However, he may have gotten an even more encouraging sign in winning another award.
Matthew Stafford Earns Telling Award
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on following the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Pro Football Writers of America announced on January 21 that Stafford earned their MVP award. Stafford had a 4,707-yard, 46-touchdown, 8-interception regular-season campaign for the Rams.
“PFWA has named Matthew Stafford their 2025 MVP! [clapping hands emoji],” the Rams posted on X in reaction to the news.
As high an honor as that is in its own right, it could also prove telling about the AP’s version.
The PFWA began issuing its (technically unofficial) award in 1975, while the AP began in 1957. They have only produced differing results eight times. They have differed on the award just once since 2003, last season when the PFWA voted for Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen was the AP’s winner, with this year’s results set to be announced on February 5 during the 2026 NFL Honors.
“The Pro Football Writers of America named Rams QB Matthew Stafford the NFL MVP,” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones posted, joining the parade of reactions to the news. “The AP award is considered the official one and will be announced Super Bowl week. AP voters did name Stafford first team All Pro.”
Matthew Stafford Adding to Resume
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after defeating the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Stafford has racked up accomplishments this postseason. He won the Rams’ first playoff game in below-freezing temperatures since at least the 2000 season and is 7-2 with the franchise in the postseason, per NFL Prime on X on January 18.
“The Rams and Matthew Stafford keep on taking the franchise to new heights [fire emoji],” the network said in the post announcing the feats.
Stafford is 4-1 in the Divisional Round or later in his career, per Fox Sports NFL.
“Matthew Stafford gets his 55th career game-winning drive in the 4th quarter or OT (including regular season) [fire emoji],” ESPN Insights posted after the Rams beat the Chicago Bears. “He has 11 more than the next closest QBs since his first season in 2009 [mind blown emoji].
Per NFL+ in another post on X on Sunday, Stafford is also 4-1 against fellow former No. 1 overall picks.
Matthew Stafford Enjoying LA Stay
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks with Matthew Stafford #9 during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
While learning that he was named a First Team All-Pro, Stafford discussed his tenure with the Rams. It began with a trade from the Detroit Lions in 2021 and has already included one Super Bowl run.
Specifically, Stafford raved about playing for head coach Sean McVay. He noted their proximity in age among the positives in their relationship.
“I love it,” Stafford told Robert Maaddi on January 18. “We got a lot of great shared experiences together now throughout the years. And just, my appreciation for him is huge. I just, I love playing for him, love getting to spend time with him, love the way he coaches our team. Me, in particular. Our team. He’s just as good a human being as I’ve been around, and I appreciate that about him.”
This season has been the Rams’ best since that run to the Super Bowl.
Matthew Stafford Gets Major News Before Rams Take on Seahawks