Focusing on bigger prize

Stafford sets MVP talk aside as he prepares Rams for the playoffs

- By Gary Klein

ERIC THAYER Los Angeles Times

MATTHEW STAFFORD has passed for a careerbest and league-leading 42 touchdowns this season.

Matthew Stafford remains among the front-runners for the NFL most valuable player award, though his status took a hit after a three-interception performance Monday in a defeat by the Atlanta Falcons.

On Sunday the Rams’ veteran quarterback gets a final shot at making his case when he plays against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.

“Listen, I'm not too worried about it,” Stafford said when asked whether MVP talk enters his mind.

The balloting is in the hands of others.

“People are going to vote how they want to vote,” he said. “They’re going to say what they want to say.”

So Stafford is focused on helping the Rams return to their winning ways.

“I’m just trying to put as good of a season together as I possibly can,” he said.

Stafford, 37, has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his 17-year career.

He has passed for a career-best and league-leading 42 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, while leading the Rams to an 11-5 record and third-place finish in the NFC West, the NFL's toughest division this season.

His main competition seemingly is New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

The second-year pro has passed for 30 touchdowns with eight interceptions while leading the Patriots to a 13-3 record and the AFC East title.