The Los Angeles Rams are 9-3 and looking like one of the best teams in the NFL. While there is still a lot of season left and work to do, the Rams are in great shape to make a Super Bowl run.
A lot of their current success is thanks to Matthew Stafford. The Rams might be the best NFC team thanks to Stafford, and with his MVP odds looking strong, the veteran quarterback could have a storybook MVP and Super Bowl season.
While such a scenario would be the best possible outcome, it could bring some negative Stafford news. ESPN's Bill Barnwell noted how, if Stafford wins the MVP and a Super Bowl, he will be a lock for the Hall of Fame and potentially retire with a storybook ending.
ESPN insider reveals how Matthew Stafford's Rams future could be in jeopardy
"If Stafford finishes 2025 with a storybook ending," Barnwell writes, "those caveats immediately disappear. We don't know what the future holds for him after 2025, of course, but there are no guarantees that he ever gets as close to another Super Bowl ring or MVP award as he is right now."
Winning the Super Bowl, which would be his second, and securing the 2025 MVP award, which would be his first, would be about as good a way to retire as possible.
He's 37 years old and has contemplated retirement before. Even though the future is uncertain, and he could come back for another year or even demand a trade, a Super Bowl and MVP award could justify Stafford retiring.
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If he does win both, then his Hall of Fame candidacy would leave no doubt. He's likely to make the Hall of Fame as things currently stand, but an MVP award and Super Bowl win would almost certainly make him a Hall of Famer, and potentially first-ballot at that.
Stafford is a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time Super Bowl champion, and top-ten all-time in passing touchdowns with 409 and top-ten all-time in passing yards with 62,882.
Barnwell's point of emphasis is that an MVP and Super Bowl win would give Stafford all that he could need to justify a Hall of Fame nod. The appeal of a storybook ending could have Stafford retiring after this season.
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