After nine weeks of action, the 2025 NFL has exceeded expectations. Teams that looked set to lead their divisions (the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, for example) have struggled. Others, however, have shocked the world (the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks).
Some players have held a high standard, while others have elevated their games, even when nobody expected much from them. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated polled NFL executives (general managers, vice presidents, directors of player personnel and more) to see who should win every major award.
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While players like Indianapolis Colts’ running back Jonathan Colts, Colts’ quarterback Daniel Jones and Seattle Seahawks’ QB Sam Darnold have turned a lot of heads with their performances, executives believe Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams (13 votes) was the rightful winner after nine weeks.
“Quietly, Stafford is having an off-the-charts year. He’s on pace for 4,562 yards and a 45–4 TD-INT ratio, and the Rams are tied for first in the NFC West. He has been incredibly efficient (113.2 rating) and consistent (a 98-or-better rating in seven of eight games), while facing a challenging schedule (the Rams faced the Eagles, Colts, 49ers and Ravens in succession) in a rugged division.
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“Now, this can be a storyline award, and Stafford may lack one that’s new or different for voters to latch onto. But if you want a quarterback who runs an offense at an incredibly high level, while rarely missing a throw, Stafford’s your guy.”
Josh Allen (8), Taylor (5), Baker Mayfield (4) and Justin Herbert (3) also received votes for this unofficial award.
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Stafford is playing his 17th NFL season. Many thought he was slowing down in recent seasons. He dealt with a back injury during training camp, which made the Rams get Jimmy Garoppolo as their backup quarterback.
In eight games this season, Stafford has gone 184 of 274 for 2,147 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has thrown only two interceptions. The Rams are in a race for the NFC West with the Seahawks (6-2) and the San Francisco 49ers (6-3).
Stafford and Co. will clash against the Niners this week. A win would keep them in the race to win the division.
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