Matthew Stafford leaves Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes behind in explosive NFL ranking

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Matthew Stafford leaves Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes behind in explosive NFL ranking originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Matthew Stafford is entering his 18th NFL season while dealing with a lingering back injury. Neither concern prevented the Los Angeles Rams quarterback from claiming the biggest honor in a new ranking of the league’s top passers.

Stafford was named the NFL’s No. 1 quarterback in Bleacher Report’s NFL 1000 rankings, beating out Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The placement will inevitably spark debate, but it was not based entirely on Stafford’s career reputation.

Matthew Stafford earns highest grade among NFL quarterbacks​

Bleacher Report’s scouting department evaluated each non-rookie quarterback using six position-specific categories. Accuracy was worth 25 points, processing was worth 20, and arm talent, decision-making and pocket presence were each worth 15. Leadership accounted for the final 10 points.

Stafford received a total grade of 93, the highest among the 55 quarterbacks evaluated. The Rams veteran earned a perfect 20 for processing while receiving a 23 for accuracy, 14 for arm talent, 13 for decision-making, 10 for leadership and 13 for pocket presence.

Stafford’s remarkable 2025 season drove the decision. He passed for more than 4,700 yards and 46 touchdowns with only eight interceptions on his way to winning NFL MVP.

The original Bleacher Report evaluation praised his command at the line of scrimmage, ability to diagnose defensive coverage and continued capacity to attack every level of the field.

MORE: Patrick Mahomes receives stunning demotion in new NFL quarterback rankings

Stafford faces one unavoidable concern​

The ranking does not ignore the risk surrounding Stafford. He is 38 years old and dealing with a lingering back issue as the Rams prepare for another championship pursuit. His lack of mobility also separates him from dynamic quarterbacks such as Allen and Lamar Jackson.

Still, Stafford’s processing, accuracy and production gave him the advantage. Allen finished second with a grade of 92. Justin Herbert and Mahomes each received a 91, with Herbert winning the tiebreaking vote for third place. Joe Burrow completed the top five.

Stafford may not be the quarterback most teams would select to build around for the next decade. For one season and one Super Bowl run, however, Bleacher Report’s scouts believe there is no one better. If his back cooperates, the reigning MVP will have an opportunity to prove that his surprising place above Allen and Mahomes was completely justified.

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• Lamar Jackson has an obvious reason not to sign right now
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