The Los Angeles Rams saw a strong finish to their 2023 season, largely thanks to a healthy Matthew Stafford. Despite injury setbacks and offensive line changes early in the year, Stafford regained his form as a key playmaker for the team. His Madden NFL 26 rating of 88 places him as the fifth-highest quarterback in the game, reflecting his continued value in the league.
Stafford’s early struggles in the season were affected by injuries to key receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as well as instability on the offensive line. However, once the Rams returned to full strength, Stafford’s play elevated, demonstrating why the franchise invested heavily in him. His strong performance in the 2025 NFL Playoffs included leading a victory against the Minnesota Vikings and nearly completing a critical throw to Nacua during the NFC Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Comparison With Other Top NFL Quarterbacks
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson lead the Madden NFL 26 quarterback rankings with 99 ratings each, followed by Joe Burrow at 97 and Patrick Mahomes at 95. Stafford ranks just behind these stars, confirming his standing among the league’s elite passers. Notably, he is rated higher than several prominent quarterbacks such as Jared Goff, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts, with Baker Mayfield and Jayden Daniels rounding out the top 10.
At 37 years old, Stafford still possesses one of the strongest arms in the NFL, capable of creating big plays and quickly shifting momentum during games. With weapons like Davante Adams and a healthy Puka Nacua supporting him, expectations remain high for his contributions in the upcoming season.
Health Concerns and Team Outlook
A recent issue affecting Stafford’s availability is back soreness that has sidelined him from training camp. While Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has expressed no immediate concern regarding the veteran quarterback’s condition, his status is understandably under close watch as the team prepares for the season.
Stafford’s Standing in the NFL Top 100 List
Beyond his Madden NFL 26 rating, Stafford was ranked No. 59 on the NFL Top 100 players list for 2025. This marks a drop from his No. 42 position in 2024 but still confirms that he remains an influential figure in the league as he navigates the later stages of his career.
Stafford’s presence on both the Madden rankings and the NFL’s peer-voted list underscores the respect he continues to command across the sport, reflecting his resilience and skill despite physical challenges.