The Los Angeles Rams bounced back with a dominant 45-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14 behind another remarkable performance from Matthew Stafford.
The veteran quarterback completed 22 of his 31 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns in the victory, increasing his passing touchdowns total to an NFL-best 35 this season compared to just four interceptions.
With the effort, Stafford became the new betting favorite for NFL MVP honors, surpassing New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
During an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Stafford said he is honored to be in the conversation for NFL MVP honors:
“I appreciate it. I also know that whoever gets that award, it’s an unbelievable team accomplishment. I’m not throwing touchdown passes to myself, I surely am not getting open in the slot or any of that stuff. So whoever gets it, it has been for years, it’s such a team and group award. I am obviously humbled to be in the conversation. I have a great respect for all the guys that play this game now, that have played it before me. I’m an NFL fan, I’m in awe of a lot of the people that do what we do. It’s humbling and I do appreciate it.”
When asked if he is playing the best football of his career, Stafford agreed with the notion but made sure to give credit to his Rams teammates:
“I feel like I’m playing pretty darn good football, that’s for sure. And it’s just because of guys around me, the work we’re putting in, the group we have. I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time playing this game and that’s something to be said. At this age, with this many grays in my beard, still having a good time.”
Stafford is in his 17th NFL season and has never won the MVP Award to this point, but his recent success could finally put him over the hump.
In addition to his NFL-leading 35 passing touchdowns, Stafford has completed 66.7% of his passes for 3,354 yards and only four interceptions.
Rams accomplish feat for first time since 2001
The Rams scored three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in their win over the Cardinals, marking the first time they have done so in the same game since Dec. 30, 2001, against the Indianapolis Colts.
Puka Nacua (two) and Colby Parkinson had the receiving touchdowns, while Blake Corum (two) and Kyren Williams both scored on the ground.
