Matthew Stafford has thrown 6 interceptions in four games with over 1,100 passing yards (21 rushing yards) and six touchdowns. You can debate how Stafford’s start to the season has been because the six interceptions aren’t ideal, but the other stats are pretty good. So, how you think his start to 2026 has been?
Stafford can still sling it. Below is an attention-grabbing idea of “Father Time catching up with Stafford”, and four games in it doesn’t quite look like that.
It does look like Stafford may
not match his MVP level of play in 2025.
Then again, you could argue if Stafford can cut the picks, keep up and or increase the production, then he could regain that type of MVP form. The odds of Stafford winning back-to-back MVP’s are incredibly unlikely so we aren’t saying that. Still, so far, he has shown the arm to deliver that type of high caliber performances and moments.
It’s been a bit of a polarizing start to the season for Stafford and the Rams, and with a 2-2 record, polarizing making plenty of sense as the description of the team to this point.
They play their best at times; they play their worst at times. They’re polarizing. Stafford’s play has been a part of that.
‘Has Father Time Caught Up With You?’ — NFL Analyst Puts Matthew Stafford on Notice After Reigning MVP’s Worrying Start To Season (sports.yahoo)
“Chris Broussard Questions Whether Matthew Stafford Is Showing His Age
During “First Things First,” Broussard challenged Stafford to show that his best football remains available on a consistent basis.
“Matthew Stafford, has father time caught up with you? I think that’s a legitimate question at this point,”Broussard said.
He acknowledged that Stafford still delivers impressive moments. His concern was how much those flashes actually reveal about the quarterback’s overall level of play.
“At times, you still look great, but that’s what happens. Even old guys can look great at times,” Broussard continued.
Broussard pointed to Stafford’s six interceptions through four games, including four over his previous two appearances. He then delivered the challenge behind his assessment.
“So, you have to go out there and prove that you are still that guy,”Broussard said.“
Matthew Stafford evaluates his performance in Rams’ first 4 games (ramswire)
Matthew Stafford took home his first MVP award last season after throwing for a league-high 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. His numbers to start this year have paled in comparison, only tossing six touchdown passes and six interceptions in four games.
Suffice to say, it’s been an up-and-down season thus far, mixing big-time throws with costly mistakes that have led to turnovers and points for the other team.
Now that the first quarter of the season is in the books, Stafford evaluated his play when asked during Thursday’s press conference. He admitted he can certainly be better and wishes he had some throws back.
“Definitely room for improvement,” he said. “There have been some really bright moments and some stuff I’m really proud of and stuff that I definitely wish I could take back to help us be in a better position to win games. That comes with the position. I understand that. I’ve been doing it a long time. I want to do everything I can to put our team in the best position to succeed. I’ve done that sometimes this year and other times I have not. I want to make sure that I do that at a more consistent clip moving forward.”
Matthew Stafford Isn’t Hiding From His Turnovers, and the Rams Need It to Show Against Buffalo (athlonsports)
“The Rams are 2-2 with an offense that ranks second in total yards and 19th in scoring. Eight giveaways have a lot to do with that gap. PFF has charged Stafford with eight turnover-worthy plays, which ranks 28th among quarterbacks, and his 65.4 grade sits 22nd of 34. Sumer Sports lists the Rams with the league’s fourth-highest interception rate at 3.64%. He threw a pick-six in Denver during a 30-26 loss, then two more interceptions in the first half against the Eagles before the 24-20 comeback.“
Fantasy football Week 5 Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em: Matthew Stafford gets right back on track vs. Bills (cbssports)
“It’s been a rocky start to the season so far for Stafford, but he should have a dominant game in Week 5 against Buffalo. I like Stafford as a top-three Fantasy quarterback in all leagues. He has two games this year with at least 24.9 Fantasy points and two others with 9.7 Fantasy points or less. Puka Nacua missed two games with a groin injury, but he’s healthy now. And Stafford is throwing the ball a lot with at least 51 pass attempts in his past two outings against Denver and Philadelphia. He’s only played one game at home this season (Week 2 against the Giants), and Stafford scored 34.9 Fantasy points. This week, we could get a shootout against the Bills, who are No. 5 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. C.J. Stroud, Jared Goff and Drake Maye each scored at least 20.5 Fantasy points against Buffalo, with Goff and Maye going over 32 Fantasy points. That’s the expectation I have for Stafford, who should be in a potential shootout with Josh Allen since this game has a projected total score of 53.5 points. I’m excited to see how good Stafford can be in Week 5, and he should have one of his best games of the season against Buffalo at home.”
All eyes on SoFi Stadium as the Rams & the Bills battle on MNF | Game Preview (therams.com)
“If you love tight end play, this is the game for you. According to NFL Pro, the Bills have used multiple tight ends on more than half their plays this season, buying into the Rams-led league-wide trend. However, with Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson injured last week, the Rams used 13 personnel on just one snap, their fewest in a full calendar year. Fortunately, Parkinson is trending in the right direction to return, and it doesn’t sound like Ferguson should miss more than the required four weeks on injured reserve. In the meantime, Tyler Higbee has found the fountain of youth.
I’m not sure Kyren Williams has put together better consecutive games than his performances in Denver and Philadelphia. Kudos to his scheme, offensive line, and LA’s all-11 approach to getting removal in the run game.“
Rams must keep Josh Allen uncomfortable as he seeks get-right game in LA (ramblinfan)
“In a Week 3 win against the Chargers, he threw two picks versus no touchdowns and posted a passer rating of 54.0. For once, Allen was definitely not the reason Buffalo won.
For the Rams, keeping him out of sync early will be key to LA’s chances. If Allen settles into a rhythm, the only path to victory will be in a shootout.
Rams must get after Josh Allen out of the gate
Overall, the Rams’ pass rush has underwhelmed this season, due in part because Myles Garrett has played all of one injury-hampered game. Although eligible to return off injured reserve at any time, His return date remains TBD. Aaron Donald missed last game with back soreness but the team is hopeful that he will play in Week 5.“
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams | Where to watch, stream and listen | MNF Week 5 (buffalobills.com)
“The Bills look to bounce back after their first loss of the season in Week 4 on primetime against the Rams. Buffalo hits the road for the first time in three weeks, taking on a Los Angeles squad filled with star talent.”
Rams’ Aaron Donald ready to return against the Bills (ocregister)
““I feel good, I feel good,” Donald said. “I feel a lot better than what I was.”
Donald came out of the Rams’ Week 3 loss to the Broncos with a sore back. He was unable to practice last week and was held out of the Rams’ win over the Eagles.
It was a decision that Donald had no issue with, despite the per-game bonuses in his contract, until he saw how the Rams (2-2) pass rush played with four sacks and 26 quarterback pressures.“
Rams’ Donald FP, Watson LP, Lake DNP on Friday (nbcsports)
“This is a good sign for Donald. Meanwhile, CB Jaylen Watson (shoulder) remained limited and star S Quentin Lake (hip) remained sidelined. Watson starts in the No. 2 perimeter cornerback role, while Lake serves as the primary nickel cornerback and part-time safety. Missing either player would be notable.
– Nic Bodiford”
Former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Rob Havenstein hunts, kills massive bear in Alaska (foxnews)
“The 34-year-old former left tackle posted a carousel of photos from the trip on his official Instagram page on Thursday, and the main focus of the hunting trip was an absolutely massive brown bear.
And when I say “massive,” I mean you’re probably not ready for the size of this thing.“
Comment of the Day:
“All the popular Rams picks on these boards, many of whom the writers wanted (Lemon, Sadiq, Bain) all have done little to nothing. Lemon has some potential, but he’s a high floor low ceiling possession receiver. Those aren’t that special. Sadiq is an athletic freak that never was productive even in college. Bain has ALL TIME SHORT ARMS, so short that no edge has EVER found NFL success with his measurements. There is a reason. Sadiq has been productive, 12 catches, 12 ypc, 1td. He could become better than I thought. This isn’t saying I think Simpson will be great. He does tend to scream a bargain basement Purdy, and that’s a problem if you’re in the division with the real Purdy. And they got Purdy for 4 free seasons, we paid real capital and dollars for the weaker close. Doesn’t mean he can’t be great, he just looked like a guy that wouldn’t be SPECIAL. I hope I’m wrong, or the team moves quickly if they discover they were wrong.“ -Dr.Ram
