Matthew Stafford will start for the Los Angeles Rams when they face the Houston Texans in Week 1. The question is whether his body can hold up.
Stafford enters his 17th NFL season with a litany of injuries, most notably recurring back issues from an aggravated disk that raised concerns for the Rams this offseason.
“Oh, I’m going to go play the game,” Stafford told ESPN. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m playing like I always play. I got no issues with a physical game. Obviously, would love to stay as clean as possible, but I’m not thinking twice about that at all. I’m out there ready to go play.”
No matter how this season unfolds, Stafford’s time with the Rams is winding down. If he can’t make it through an entire year, Los Angeles will be in the market for its next franchise quarterback. That search could begin in the 2025 NFL Draft, where The Sporting News’ Anthony Licciardi projects the Rams to select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck at No. 23 overall.
“Beck entered the season as my QB10, projecting as an upper-level backup with limited upside as a starter. He did his best to make that look silly against Notre Dame,” Licciardi wrote. “Beck’s arm looked as live as ever, and he made plays out of structure against a talented Fighting Irish defense. He was decisive and aggressive downfield and was rewarded for it.”
Carson Beck earned his way back into first round
Beck came into 2025 with plenty of questions. He transferred from Georgia to Miami and was recovering from elbow surgery on his throwing arm, which caused him to miss all of spring practice.
But in the Hurricanes’ opener against Notre Dame, Beck looked poised and refreshed in his new digs. He helped lead Miami to a 27-24 victory, completing 20-of-31 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
“Playing his way back into the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft looks a lot like it did on Sunday,” Licciardi added. “I’m not convinced teams are willing to pull the trigger on him over some other (more talented) passers, but the gap between Beck and Nussmeier may be smaller than initially anticipated.”
Licciardi currently has LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier projected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 to the New Orleans Saints. At one time, Beck was considered for that top spot himself. If he can guide Miami to the College Football Playoff, he may climb right back into the conversation — just as Cam Ward did a year ago.