The NFL announced that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his Week 18 performance against the Arizona Cardinals.
In the Rams’ 37-20 victory, Stafford completed 25 of 40 pass attempts for 259 yards and four touchdowns with no turnovers. With the Rams trailing late in the third quarter, he led three straight touchdown drives to turn it into an easy victory and clinch the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs. The game also moved Stafford to seventh on the NFL’s all-time career passing touchdowns list and sixth on the NFL’s all-time career completions list.
Matthew, and we cannot stress this enough, Stafford.
More highlights on https://t.co/bPpSS6zu02 🎥 pic.twitter.com/MEMpQj7B2s
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 7, 2026
This marked the fifth Player of the Week recognition for the Rams this season as Puka Nacua won it twice while Nate Landman and Ethan Evans also received honors.
Overall this season, Stafford led the NFL in passing and touchdowns at 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns with only eight interceptions, completing 65% of his passes. With the Rams finishing 12-5 with one of the hardest schedules in the league, Stafford is the favorite to win his first NFL MVP award.
He certainly helped make his case with his Week 18 performance, giving voters another four-touchdown, no-turnover performance to remember to finish out the regular season.
Tom Brady endorses Matthew Stafford for MVP
One person who believes Stafford deserves the NFL MVP award is the legendary Tom Brady as he picked the Rams star over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
“I think what Matthew Stafford’s done this season has been absolutely remarkable. Forty-six touchdowns, for any quarterback, that’s a dream season. He’s been spectacular. Drake Maye on the other side has done some incredible things with Josh McDaniels in their first year together. Drake’s got a long career ahead. I’m sure he’s going to have many opportunities. I would say Matthew Stafford.”
