Vikings' Isaiah Rodgers makes bold comment about Matthew Stafford as JJ McCarthy's struggles continue

Matthew Stafford has performed far beyond the wildest expectations of many this season. The quarterback has pulled off a series of superb performances for the LA Rams in 2025 that have now placed him at the forefront of the MVP conversation as the regular season proceeds.

One of such outstanding performances came on Sunday when the Rams welcomed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Los Angeles. The veteran completed 25 of his 35 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams secured a 34-7 victory at SoFi Stadium to move up 9-2.

The performance against the Buccaneers ignited a reaction from Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Isaiah Rodgers. After seeing Stafford lead the Rams to a dominant victory, Rodgers touted him for the MVP, as his quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, continues to struggle.

“Matthew Stafford MVP,” Rodgers wrote on X.

Now in his 17th season in the NFL, Stafford is making a solid case for the MVP for the first time. He's currently leading the league in passing touchdowns and is on course to break his personal record of 41. With performance in 2025, Rams coach Sean McVay sees him playing for a decade more in the league.

“He’s a fine wine. He’s just getting better with age,” McVay said. “I think he’s going to play for about 10 more years.”

Steven A. Smith giving his MVP vote to Matthew Stafford

Following his performance against the Buccaneers, Steven A. Smith showered a lot of praise on Matthew Stafford during his appearance on “First Take” on Monday. The analyst noted he would give his MVP vote to the quarterback if he had to make the decision right now.

“I think they have right now a guy playing like the best quarterback in the National Football League in Matthew Stafford,” Smith said. “The man hasn't thrown an interception since Week 3. And since that time, he's thrown 25 touchdown passes without a single interception.

“That's how fantastic he's been … Matthew Stafford is simply elite. He is spectacular. Make no mistake about it right now. If I had to give a vote for MVP right now, it would go to him. He's been that fantastic … they've got the best quarterback in football.”

Stafford is currently the betting favorite to win the MVP award, leapfrogging New England Patriots’ Drake Maye, who has been at the top in the last two weeks. The Rams quarterback has a good chance at the award if he keeps up the level of performance he's pulled off lately.