Matthew Stafford is still considered one of the top contenders for the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, despite a recent setback. His performance in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where he threw three interceptions, has raised questions about his chances. However, the veteran quarterback remains focused on helping the Los Angeles Rams return to their winning form.

On Sunday, Stafford will have a chance to make his case when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. When asked about the MVP talk, Stafford remained unfazed. “Listen, I’m not too worried about it,” he said. He emphasized that the final decision rests with others. “People are going to vote how they want to vote,” he added. “They’re going to say what they want to say.”

Stafford’s focus is on delivering a strong season and helping the Rams secure a playoff spot. At 37 years old, this season has been one of the best of his 17-year career. He has thrown a career-high and league-leading 42 touchdowns, while throwing eight interceptions. His leadership has helped the Rams finish with an 11-5 record and third place in the NFC West, the most competitive division in the league this season.

His main competition for the MVP award appears to be New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The second-year player has thrown 30 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, leading the Patriots to a 13-3 record and the AFC East title. The NFL MVP award is determined by a panel of 50 journalists who cover the league, as assembled by the Associated Press. Notably, reporters from the Los Angeles Times do not participate in voting for these awards.

Maye is set to start against the Miami Dolphins this weekend. If the Patriots win and the Denver Broncos lose to the Chargers, the Patriots will earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye.

The Rams entered the weekend as the No. 6 seed in the NFC. After the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks, the Rams moved up to the No. 5 seed if they defeat the Cardinals.

The Rams were on a strong roll, holding the No. 1 seed in the NFC until they fell to the eventual NFC West champion Seahawks on December 18 in Seattle. Stafford performed well in that game, throwing for 457 yards and three touchdowns. However, last Monday against the Falcons, he struggled, throwing one interception that was returned for a touchdown and two more that cost the Rams a 27-24 loss.

Despite the setbacks, Stafford continues to rank among the top 10 in several NFL career passing categories. This season, his statistical performance has been among the best of his career. “It’s up there with some of the better ones I’ve played,” he said. “The cool thing about that is I have such a great group around me. … I have great teammates. I try to do my best to get the best out of those guys and help them succeed and help those guys have great seasons and great games as best as I can.”

Coach Sean McVay praised Stafford’s leadership on the field. “Do you elevate the people you’re around and the situations you’re a part of? He certainly does that,” McVay said. “And I think that’s been reflected from guys having their best years around him. He deserves a ton of credit for that.”

During seven of his 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Stafford played alongside Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson. In 2021, after being traded to the Rams, he helped Cooper Kupp capture the so-called triple crown of receiving: Kupp led the NFL in catches, yards receiving, and touchdown catches.

Two years ago, Rams receiver Puka Nacua had a record-setting rookie season, and this season, he is tied for the league lead with 119 catches. Veteran Davante Adams, in his first season with the Rams, leads the NFL with 14 touchdown catches.

“I still play with all the same feel and pocket movement and all that stuff that I used to,” Stafford said. “It probably just doesn’t look the same.”

A few weeks ago, Stafford seemed poised for his first NFL MVP award. Now, he is looking to bounce back from his performance against the Falcons and help the Rams enter the playoffs with momentum. “I would love to play perfect in every game, but I’m not a robot and it happens,” he said. “I’m proud of our team and I’m looking forward to another opportunity.”