Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff are set to face each other on Sunday for the fourth time since their blockbuster trade five years ago, and both quarterbacks have flourished since switching teams.
Stafford immediately led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LVI title and is currently among the league’s MVP frontrunners, while Goff has guided the Detroit Lions to the NFC Championship Game. This week’s matchup carries playoff implications: the Rams could secure a postseason berth with a win, while the Lions aim to improve their position in the NFC playoff race.
Goff admits the trade no longer weighs on him. “It feels like ages ago,” he told reporters in Detroit. Stafford expressed similar sentiments in his media availability with the Rams.
It’s been almost five years since the Rams acquired Stafford from Detroit in exchange for Goff, two first-round picks, and a third-round pick. Despite the time that has passed, the two former No. 1 overall picks remain permanently linked in NFL lore.
“It wasn’t an easy transition,” Stafford said. “You’re moving across the country, your families are moving, everything changes. I have a lot of respect for him, and I hope he feels the same about me.”
Their upcoming game at SoFi Stadium marks their fourth head-to-head clash. The Rams defeated the Lions there in 2021, but Detroit has won the past two encounters, including the 2023 NFC wild-card game and the 2024 season opener at SoFi.
Who Benefited Most from the Trade?
Stafford, now 37, delivered a Super Bowl win in his first season with the Rams and is poised to help the team secure a playoff spot for the fourth time in five years while competing for his first MVP award. Goff, 31, has led the Lions to two playoff appearances, including the NFC title game in 2023, and has earned two Pro Bowl selections. Both have achieved considerable success, and their season stats are remarkably similar:
Stafford: 288 completions on 432 attempts, 3,354 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 4 interceptions.
Goff: 289 completions on 412 attempts, 3,334 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 5 interceptions.
The Rams (10-3) currently hold the NFC’s No. 1 seed and can lock in a playoff spot with a win. Detroit (8-5) is fighting for position in the NFC North, trailing Green Bay (9-3-1) and Chicago (9-4).
Rams coach Sean McVay praised Goff’s performance in Detroit. “He’s done an outstanding job carrying that team and putting them in contention,” McVay said. McVay acknowledged that he struggled with Goff toward the end of the 2020 season and has since reflected on how he handled the quarterback’s departure.
“Looking back, there were things I could have done better,” McVay said. “I’ve grown from it. I’m genuinely happy for him and his family.”
Goff no longer feels an emotional edge when facing his former team. “It’s even more removed now,” he said. Stafford echoed this, noting that most of his former Lions teammates are no longer in the league, and he focuses on watching all quarterbacks, including Goff.
The two also keep tabs on each other’s play. “He’s been very successful,” Stafford said of Goff. “He’s great at getting the ball to his playmakers.” Goff similarly follows Stafford and admires his game.
After Sunday’s matchup, the quarterbacks are expected to meet on the field, continuing a tradition of mutual respect. “Our past games have been close, competitive battles,” Stafford said. “He’s made key plays, and I tip my hat to him every time.”
