Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are set to take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, their biggest game since the Super Bowl in 2021. Fittingly, this matchup, the third of the season between the two teams, is also for a trip to the title tilt.
However, news regarding the three-time Pro Bowler and 2025 First Team All-Pro emerged on Sunday that has implications far beyond this contest, or even a potential Super Bowl berth.
For the Rams, it offers a world of clarity.
Matthew Stafford Update Looms Large for Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Chicago Bears during the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Stafford has turned his season narrative around, from concerns about his age (he turns 38 in February) and, even more, a balky back that sidelined him during training camp and the preseason, to an MVP-caliber campaign.
Conversations about his future began years ago as retirement became a more realistic possibility for the veteran.
Nothing is certain in an ever-evolving situation, but Stafford is expected to play in 2026.
“Just given his age, have to wonder what comes next for Matthew Stafford. My understanding, though, is Stafford has told people close to him that he does believe he has some good football left, telling them no matter what, he wants to be back next year,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on “NFL Gameday” on January 25.
“This was before the Rams went on this little run, ended up in the title game. So, no one knows for sure, if the Rams win the Super Bowl, does Matthew Staffford walk away? But at least we know he believes he has plenty left.”
Stafford completed 65% of his passes, leading the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, while throwing 8 interceptions.
Per Vegas Insider, Stafford is the betting favorite to win MVP for the 2025 regular season.
Matthew Stafford Hinted at Return
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams on the field after facing the Detroit Lions.
Rapoport’s report on Stafford is not wholly surprising, with the Rams star suggesting as much ahead of this past season.
“I feel pretty good right now,” Stafford said on “The Morning After” podcast in March 2025. “I don’t know. We’ll see. I don’t want to sell myself short, I don’t want to promise anything. Obviously, can’t do that. But I do feel good. I feel like I’m playing decent.”
Of course, that was also before the back injury, for which Stafford employed advanced tactics.
The former No. 1 overall pick (2009) and Detroit Lions star utilized a specialized chamber to aid in his recovery. Stafford’s wife, Kelly, also offered telling remarks on her husband’s future.
“At the end of the day, this is where we both want it to be,” Kelly Stafford said during the same podcast episode. “I’m just glad he gets to play for the team and the coach that he wants to end his career with.”
Stafford’s success with the Rams is no small part of the equation.
Matthew Stafford Can Help Sean McVay
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during warm-ups before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Stafford has praised Rams head coach Sean McVay, touting not only the latter’s ability to lead the team, but also their relationship, which is an essential combination for any NFL organization.
Stafford can help McVay etch his name into the record books yet again.
“With a win in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, Sean McVay would become the fourth head coach since the 1970 merger to win each of his first three conference championship games; the others are Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells and Dan Reeves,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X on January 25.
“With a win Sunday, McVay also would become the youngest head coach at the time of his third Super Bowl appearance. McVay turned 40 Saturday.”
Jimmy Garoppolo Draws Attention Before NFC Championship Game
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams before facing the Houston Texans.
The Rams were fortunate to have Jimmy Garoppolo on the roster amid Stafford’s injury woes, with the veteran taking over as QB1 during camp and the preseason. While not expected to play against the Seahawks, perhaps outside of mop-up duty, Garoppolo drew attention on game day.
“This is the seventh time in 12 seasons that Garoppolo’s team has reached the conference championship game,” Schefter said in another post, noting every team’s backup.
Garoppolo’s teams are 3-3 in those games.
He has a 1-1 record as a starter in NFC Championship Games, all with the San Francisco 49ers, including a loss to Stafford and the Rams in 2021.
Rams Get Major News on Matthew Stafford Before NFC Championship Game