In his 13th season and his first with the Los Angeles Rams, QB Matthew Stafford has a chance to prove he is one of the game’s greats on the big stage of Super Bowl 56 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to the latest Super Bowl MVP odds, Stafford is the favorite to win the award at +115.
Super Bowl 56 Info
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022
- Time: 6:30 P.M. EST
- Venue: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
Can Stafford shine in the most significant moment of his career? Read on to find out why I think he will.
Stafford Has the Numbers
Of his 13 seasons, Stafford spent 12 playing for the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, the Lions qualified for the playoffs only three times during his tenure as the signal-caller.
It’s hard to blame Stafford for the Lions’ lack of success. During his time in Detroit, Stafford compiled 45,109 passing yards and 282 touchdown passes. Compare those numbers to Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who in his first 12 seasons threw for 43,346 yards and 272 TDs. In those 12 seasons, however, Roethlisberger and the Steelers won two Super Bowls because he had a better team surrounding him.
In his first season with the Rams, Stafford’s stats rival his previous career highs. In 2021 he threw for 4,886 yards (second-highest season total) and 41 TDs (tied for highest season total).
Stafford Has the Weapons
The Los Angeles Rams boast a talented roster at the offensive skill positions.
Cooper Kupp finished the regular season first in the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. During the playoffs, he’s continued his dominant play, compiling 386 yards and four TDs.
The mid-season acquisition of WR Odell Beckham Jr. gave Stafford another talented target. In his eight regular-season games with the Rams, Beckham compiled 305 receiving yards and five TDs.
Through the first three playoff games, these receivers combined for 622 receiving yards and five TDs.
Weapons like Cupp and Beckham Jr. can help Stafford put up the numbers for an MVP-worthy performance.
He’s the Comeback Kid
What NFL quarterback would you want on your team if you needed a fourth-quarter comeback or a drive to win a game?
Maybe Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers? What about the recently retired Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger?
Those are all great choices, but I’ll take Stafford. Since 2009, Stafford has led all active NFL quarterbacks with 34 fourth-quarter comebacks.
That career total places him fifth all-time behind legends like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Drew Brees.
Stafford also completed a comeback in this year’s NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. A comeback performance in Super Bowl 56 would undoubtedly help Stafford’s MVP chances.
Can Matthew Stafford Win Super Bowl MVP?
Matthew Stafford has thrown for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception through three playoff games.
If the Rams win because Stafford continues his excellent play, he has a great chance at MVP. Should the Rams face a fourth-quarter deficit and Stafford leads his team to a victory, it would only help his case.
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