With the MVP-level play of quarterback Matthew Stafford, it’s difficult to picture the Los Angeles Rams preparing for life without him.
But perhaps it may be smart for the Rams to start doing exactly that.
The 37-year-old Stafford has led the Rams to a 10-3 record and first place in the NFC West this season. He leads the league in touchdowns (35) and passer rating (113.1), he ranks fourth in passing yards (3,354), and he’s one of just 2 QBs with 20 or more touchdowns and 4 or fewer interceptions.
Stafford is also on pace for a career-high 45 touchdown passes and 4,386 yards passing, which would mark the 10th time he’s hit the 4,000-yard mark in his 17-year NFL career.
Rams Predicted to Make Massive Draft Day Trade
GettyIndiana QB Fernando Mendoza has been linked to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFL draft
But with Stafford’s career closer winding down, it would behoove the Rams to find a passer to groom to take over for the former No. 1 overall pick in a few years.
And that’s exactly why Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus predicts the Rams will pull off a blockbuster trade to move up for a QB.
Sikkema predicts L.A. will trade up with the New York Giants, who are currently projected to have the No. 1 overall pick next April, to land Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza — the potential Heisman Trophy winner and arguably the best QB prospect in the 2026 class.
“I have yet to do a mock draft with trades, but now that we’re into December, it’s hard to believe the New York Giants’ best plan for the 2026 NFL Draft involves staying at No. 1 overall — not with Mendoza playing like a quarterback who could command that spot from a team desperate for help under center,” Sikkema wrote.
“The Rams got a gift last year when they traded back with Atlanta and picked up a future first that now sits in the top 10, and there may be no better use of it than going all-in to secure their quarterback of the future. They’d likely need to part with at least their two first-round picks to move up to No. 1.”
It’s clear Stafford’s remaining years are limited, and there may be no better time for the Rams to draft a premier signal-caller than right now.
Thanks to a draft day trade with the Atlanta Falcons last year, Los Angeles has an extra first-round pick this year. That Falcons pick is currently ninth overall, and packaged with L.A.’s other first-rounder (currently 31st overall) plus an additional Day 2 pick or two, the Rams are in prime position to find Stafford’s heir apparent.
Stafford Making Case for NFL MVP
After Sunday’s 45-17 win over the division rival Arizona Cardinals, Stafford’s MVP odds are once again surging.
According to DraftKings sportsbook, Stafford is the new MVP favorite (-180 odds), followed by New England Patriots QB Drake Maye (+200), Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love (1000), and Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (+1500).
Stafford’s resume boasts a Super Bowl championship, an NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and Pro Bowls. He’s also a member of the Detroit Lions All-Time Team, but MVP is one award he’s never won before.
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