Matthew Stafford’s Resilient Performance in NFC Championship Loss Highlights MVP Case and Uncertain Future with Rams

In a heartbreaking 31-27 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered a performance that underscored his elite status, even as his team fell short of Super Bowl LX.

Facing a formidable Seahawks defense ranked first in scoring, Stafford completed 22 of 35 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his arm strength and precision with key throws like a 25-yard dime to Davante Adams and a 34-yard touchdown to Puka Nacua.

Despite the loss—sealed by an incomplete fourth-down pass from the 4-yard line—Stafford’s ability to gash Seattle for big plays throughout the game reinforced why he’s been a frontrunner for NFL MVP this season.

At 37 years old, turning 38 in February, Stafford’s outing was a microcosm of his 2025 campaign: high-volume production under pressure, even if it wasn’t enough to overcome defensive stops and a thrilling comeback by Sam Darnold’s Seahawks.

Stafford’s playoff pedigree over the past five years (2021-2025 seasons) stands out as one of the most consistent among active quarterbacks. Since joining the Rams in 2021, he has appeared in 12 postseason games, compiling a 7-5 record with 3,558 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions for a 98.2 passer rating.

His efficiency as a Ram is even more impressive: in eight playoff games, he’s thrown for 1,764 yards with 15 total touchdowns (including two rushing), only three interceptions, a 67.7% completion rate, 8.7 yards per attempt, and a sparkling 111.8 passer rating.

Stafford also leads all NFL quarterbacks in playoff passing yards per game at 307.9, a testament to his big-game reliability.

Stafford vs The Competition in the Playoffs

Comparing Stafford to his contemporaries over the same span reveals a quarterback who has often outperformed expectations in high-stakes moments.

Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, widely regarded as the gold standard, has led his team to multiple Super Bowl appearances but faced inconsistencies in recent postseasons, with a focus on volume stats amid defensive support. Josh Allen of the Bills boasts a 4-4 playoff record with explosive plays but has yet to reach a Super Bowl, hampered by turnovers in key games.

Joe Burrow of the Bengals has a Super Bowl appearance (2021) and 10 total playoff touchdowns but has been limited by injuries, posting a 5-2 record with 11 turnovers in spots.

Lamar Jackson of the Ravens, despite MVP hardware, has struggled in the playoffs with a 2-4 record, 13 total touchdowns against 11 turnovers in eight games.

Jalen Hurts of the Eagles has 20 total touchdowns in 10 games but with a middling 4-6 record and recent regressions.

Stafford’s crowning achievement—a Super Bowl LVI victory in 2021—gives him an edge in legacy discussions, and his recent playoff averages eclipse many peers in efficiency, especially considering the Rams’ roster fluctuations.

In rankings of 2026 playoff quarterbacks, Stafford slotted second only to Allen, ahead of rising stars like Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence.

This NFC Championship performance comes on the heels of what many consider Stafford’s finest regular season, positioning him as the frontrunner for the 2025 NFL MVP award.

Leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns, Stafford has been named a finalist alongside Maye, Allen, Christian McCaffrey, and Lawrence, with the Pro Football Writers of America already crowning him their MVP.

His PFF grades as the highest overall quarterback, highest when kept clean, and highest on deep throws further bolster his case.

While rookie sensation Drake Maye has emerged as a strong contender with impressive expected points added (EPA) metrics, Stafford’s veteran leadership and statistical dominance—coupled with First-Team All-Pro honors—make him the likely winner when votes are tallied before Super Bowl LX.

This would mark Stafford’s first MVP, a fitting cap to a resurgent year at age 37. Looking ahead, Stafford’s future with the Rams appears secure for at least one more season, though not without questions. Under contract through 2026 with a $48.3 million cap hit, Stafford has expressed his intent to return “no matter what,” dispelling retirement rumors that swirled amid health concerns.

The Rams’ front office has shown no inclination to trade the future Hall of Famer, whose two-year, $80 million extension in 2025 includes $40 million guaranteed.

However, at 38 during the 2026 campaign, speculation persists about potential successors, with the team eyed as a landing spot for quarterbacks like Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa if Stafford’s health falters.

For now, Stafford remains the Rams’ cornerstone, poised to chase another ring in what could be the twilight of a storied career.

As the Rams reflect on a season that ended one game shy of the Super Bowl, Stafford’s body of work—from MVP-level regular-season dominance to clutch playoff heroics—cements his place among the NFL’s all-time greats.

Whether 2026 brings redemption or transition, his impact on Los Angeles is undeniable.