When the NFL season kicks off this September, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will begin his 17th year in the league at the age of 37. Not many QBs survive that long in the NFL, and those who do are typically all-time greats.

So what should fans expect from a seasoned player like Stafford at this stage of his career? To find out, let’s examine how other top-tier QBs performed in their age-37 seasons.

The trends show that 4 of the 6 quarterbacks listed led their teams to the playoffs, and all but one topped the 4,000-yard passing mark.

In 2013, Peyton Manning posted 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, setting records and guiding Denver to the Super Bowl.

Aaron Rodgers won MVP in 2020 with 48 touchdowns, only 5 interceptions, and a 121.5 passer rating, reaching the NFC title game.

Tom Brady’s 2014 season included 33 touchdown passes and a deep postseason run with New England.

The downside in all of this is that despite their stats, none of the quarterbacks ended those seasons with a Super Bowl title.

What this suggests is that talent endures, but winning hinges heavily on the supporting cast. For Stafford, that centers on the Rams’ most crucial variable—the offensive line.

Though he started every key game last year, Stafford has missed 8 contests (excluding week 18 rest) with the Rams, all during 2022. He’s generally been dependable, but staying healthy this season is paramount—and the O-line is key to that.

One thing working in his favor now is a red-zone game plan that’s more pass-heavy. The additions of Davante Adams and Terrance Ferguson, along with Tutu Atwell’s return, show an increased focus on throwing the ball.

Stafford has battled through more injuries than most on this list throughout his career. But if he can stay upright, there’s no reason he can’t deliver the type of sharp, aggressive, winning play we saw from Brady or Rodgers.

Quarterbacks who are still starting at 37 usually belong in rare company. Stafford is right behind a line of future Hall of Famers. The bigger question isn’t whether he can perform—it’s whether the Rams’ offense will help him do it when it counts.