The Los Angeles Rams are shaping up to be a legitimate threat as the season pushes toward its final stretch. They’re gearing up for a major playoff run, and every move they made this past offseason reflects a win-now mindset. At the center of that mission is veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is playing some of the most impressive football of his career.

After entering the year with questions about his durability and the team’s overall direction, Stafford has erased nearly every doubt. The Rams’ offense has surged behind his leadership, and his consistent production has pushed him into the thick of the NFL MVP conversation. While the award talk grows louder, Stafford remains focused solely on elevating his team.

Why he could capture MVP:

ESPN’s Sarah Barshop highlighted a remarkable midseason run that showcased Stafford’s ceiling. Over a three-game stretch against the Jaguars, Saints, and 49ers (Weeks 7–10), he threw 13 touchdown passes with zero interceptions. That made him the first quarterback in league history to record at least four touchdown passes with no picks in three straight games — a streak that perfectly illustrates the Rams’ offensive firepower.

Why he might fall short:

Not every outing has matched that level of dominance. In a narrow 21–19 win over the Seahawks, the offense stalled, and wideout Davante Adams pointed out that the unit didn’t meet its usual standard. Stafford managed only 130 passing yards while the run game, led by Kyren Williams, nearly matched that total with 119 yards. With such a balanced offense, there may be games where Los Angeles leans more heavily on the ground attack, reducing Stafford’s statistical output.

Next up, the Rams return home to SoFi Stadium for a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — another test that could solidify their status as a contender. A standout performance from Stafford could further strengthen his MVP résumé and reinforce the Rams’ push as a team no one wants to face down the stretch.

This story originally appeared on Los Angeles Rams on SI and is republished with permission.