Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams put together an impressive campaign that carried them all the way to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 26, where they faced the Seattle Seahawks. The matchup lived up to its billing, delivering plenty of intensity and suspense before ending in a narrow 31–27 defeat for Los Angeles.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Stafford’s season remains nothing short of outstanding. NFL data shows that he led the league during the 2025 regular season with 4,707 passing yards while throwing 46 touchdowns. He guided the Rams to a 12–5 record and limited mistakes, tossing just eight interceptions across 17 games.

After the game, Stafford reflected on how tightly contested the matchup was. He explained that no single moment decided the outcome, noting that countless plays throughout the game could have shifted momentum and that the Rams had chances they weren’t able to capitalize on.

Stafford also addressed the costly muffed punt late in the game, expressing unwavering support for his teammate. He said he made it clear that he still loves and trusts him, emphasizing that mistakes don’t change how he feels about the person or player. Having been in similar situations himself, Stafford said he understands how those moments happen and wished nothing but the best for his teammate.

While Stafford didn’t add a second Super Bowl ring to his résumé this season, his individual performance has still earned widespread recognition. He has been nominated for the 2025–26 NFL MVP award, an honor many believe is well deserved.

However, the Rams’ loss did have some impact on his MVP outlook. Following Sunday’s game, Stafford saw a slight dip in his odds, though he remains firmly in contention. Betting markets still place him just ahead of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. RotoWire acknowledged Stafford’s position but argued that the award should belong to Maye, while Vegas Insider similarly lists Stafford with a narrow edge.

Super Bowl MVP Odds

Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, Seattle’s victory reshaped the odds for Super Bowl MVP. According to The Big Lead, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold surged to the top of the list after his standout performance in the NFC Championship Game. The outlet pointed to both the storyline and the statistics, highlighting Darnold’s 346-yard, three-touchdown outing and suggesting that if Seattle wins it all, his performance will likely be the deciding factor.

Drake Maye currently sits second in the odds. Analysts noted that while he enters his first Super Bowl as an underdog quarterback, his ability to impact the game both through the air and on the ground makes him a strong candidate. His rushing contribution was crucial in the AFC Championship, and a similar showing on the sport’s biggest stage could push voters in his favor. Should the Patriots pull off an upset, many believe Maye would be the clear choice for the award.