Does Matthew Stafford’s league-best supporting cast hurt his MVP case?

NFL ranks in “Supporting Cast Rating” which is the average team PFF grades in rushing, receiving, pass blocking and run blocking (everything except passing):

1. Rams
2. Colts
3. Bears
4. Bills
5. Lions
6. Seahawks
7. Broncos
8. Eagles
9. Falcons
10. 49ers
11. Vikings
12. Chiefs…

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 22, 2025

When it comes to building a team, the quarterback isn’t the only thing that matters. Yes, the man with the football, nearly 100% of the time on offense, is crucial to a team’s success, but he has to give the ball to someone else to score the points at some point.

This is where a good supporting cast matters. A solid offensive line coupled with great skill position players can turn a good quarterback and good team into a great one.

And this is partially what is unfolding with the Los Angeles Rams in 2025. The team boasts the No. 1 scoring offense in the league and is led by the MVP-contending Matthew Stafford under center.

L.A. also has the top “supporting cast” metric, which, according to Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz, accounts for “the average team PFF grades in rushing, receiving, pass blocking and run blocking (everything except passing).”

So if you’re wondering why some people don’t think Stafford is a true MVP candidate despite MVP-caliber numbers, this is why. He’s playing with two of the best receivers in the game with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, two efficient running backs in Kyren Williams and Blake Corum with an offensive line that doesn’t give up sacks and opens up great rushing lanes.

Should this disqualify Stafford from being named MVP? Absolutely not. This is a testament to both general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay’s ability to find the right players and plug them into the right situations to succeed.

Also, most of the top-10 teams on this list are among the best teams in the NFL anyway. And the ones that aren’t — like the Colts and Falcons — simply don’t have a good quarterback on their roster to elevate the quality offense.

It’s a classic chicken-or-the-egg scenario: Is Stafford a product of a good supporting cast, or is the supporting cast a product of Stafford and McVay? At the end of the day, the only thing that should matter is wins and production. Stafford has both, even with great players around him.