Matthew Stafford is not looking to avoid the challenge of the Los Angeles Rams’ regular-season finale against an Arizona Cardinals team with little more to play for than taking on the role of spoiler.
To the contrary, Stafford is embracing it, especially given how the last two games have gone for the Rams.
That mindset stands out with the Rams looking to end a costly slide before the postseason.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford Eager to Play in Week 18
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the New Orleans Saints.
Many teams bound for the postseason, like the Rams, would jump at the opportunity to rest their star players. That is especially for those with older QBs like Stafford. The Rams must iron some issues out, though.
As Stafford noted, time is not exactly on their side either.
He made it clear that it is “not my mindset” that this is merely a tune-up game. Instead, it is an earnest opportunity to improve.
“Our team, our coaching staff, our players, we’re treating this as another opportunity to go get better. Obviously, didn’t get the result that we wanted the last two times we went out and played,” Stafford told reporters on December 31,
“Excited to go get another opportunity to go play. I’ve said it a million times before, but it is just such a privilege to play NFL football. You can’t take anything for granted. Can’t take any games for granted or anything. So, we’re extremely excited about getting back out there and trying to just put a good game together, 60 minutes of football, and see where that leaves us.”
The Rams have dropped back-to-back games for the first time all season.
Stafford and the Rams have fallen out of the No. 1 seed in the NFC in recent weeks. They are the third-ranked team in their own division entering the finale.
Stafford ‘Not Too Worried About’ MVP Race
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford #9 celebrate against the Tennessee Titans.
Stafford’s performance in the Rams’ most recent outing saw the odds for 2025 Most Valuable Player shift away from him being the favorite toward second-year passer Drake Maye of the New England Patriots.
Stafford is “not too worried about it,” knowing people will “vote how they want to vote” and “say what they want to say. I’m just trying to put as good of a season together as I possibly can.”
He noted Week 18 is their “last opportunity,” with the playoffs a win-or-go-home setting.
“I’m excited about that chance,” Stafford said about playing in the finale. Would love to play perfect in every game. Not a robot, and it happens. Just proud of our team and just looking forward to another opportunity.”
Matthew Stafford Playing With Football IQ Over Athleticism
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams adjusts a play against the Houston Texans.
Stafford agreed that this was “probably” his best season, noting “it’s up there,” but that he was not exactly sure because he had not compared them.
He noted that his game has indeed changed, and that he cannot routinely “hold the ball for 10 seconds and go on a 30-yard run.” Stafford said he does his best to help and enjoys seeing his teammates succeed. He also emphasized the team-first mentality they have as a group.
Stafford noted that doing their best will “elevate” those around them.
For him, that means preparing himself well enough mentally to account for his athleticism not being what it was in seasons past.
“I think one of the biggest–one of the hardest things, one of the biggest attributes you can have at quarterback is just being resilient mentally, too,” Stafford said, reflecting on his three-interception showing in Week 17.
“Being able to weather a lot of storms. Because inevitably, in life and at this position–and through 17 years, I’ve had plenty of them–they’re not going to stop at any point I imagine. So just continue to be myself. Try to be as steady as I can for these guys. Because I love playing for them. I love playing with them. They do a hell of a job, and [it] gives me a bunch of pride to go out there and try to help them win.”
That does mean Stafford cannot or will not create off-script. It just looks different now.
“I still play with all the same feel and pocket movement, all that stuff, that I that I used to. It probably just doesn’t look the same. I don’t get out and run. I think I had a couple 20-yard runs at some point–you’re going to have to fact-check me–in my career. Maybe one. So, used to be able to do that. I’m not looking to go that far anymore.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to buy time if I need to extend a play, and try to get a guy open and help guys up front, whatever it is.”
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Sets Record Straight Before Regular-Season Finale