Before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Matthew Stafford was often criticized for his lack of team success in Detroit – particularly in the playoffs. With the Lions, he was 0-3 in the postseason with four touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Since joining the Rams, he’s gone 4-1 in his five playoff starts, throwing 11 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. His success with the Rams and Lions differs greatly in the win-loss column, but Stafford has always been a prolific passer in the playoffs throughout his entire career.
In his eight postseason games, Stafford has averaged 307.9 passing yards per game. Surprisingly, that’s the most of any quarterback in NFL history, just ahead of Kurt Warner, who’s No. 2 with an average of 304.0 yards per game.
If you were to ask 100 people which quarterback averages the most passing yards per game in the playoffs, there probably wouldn’t be more than two who picked Stafford. Like he has been for most of his career, he’s underrated as a postseason quarterback.
He’s one of just three quarterbacks who have averaged at least 300 yards per game in the playoffs, with Warner and Dan Fouts (303.6) being the other two. Both of them are Hall of Famers, too.
As you look down the list, all you see is players who are already enshrined in Canton or eventually will be.
Drew Brees is fourth (298.1). He’s a future Hall of Famer.
Warren Moon is fifth (287.0). He’s a Hall of Famer.
Patrick Mahomes is sixth (285.3). He’s already a lock for the Hall of Fame.
| Rank | Player | Y/G | Years | Tm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Stafford | 307.9 | 2009-2024 | 2TM |
| 2 | Kurt Warner+ | 304.0 | 1998-2009 | 2TM |
| 3 | Dan Fouts+ | 303.6 | 1973-1987 | sdg |
| 4 | Drew Brees | 298.1 | 2001-2020 | 2TM |
| 5 | Warren Moon+ | 287.0 | 1984-2000 | 2TM |
| 6 | Patrick Mahomes | 285.3 | 2017-2024 | kan |
| 7 | Andrew Luck | 281.8 | 2012-2018 | clt |
| 8 | Dak Prescott | 280.3 | 2016-2024 | dal |
| 9 | Tom Brady | 279.2 | 2000-2022 | 2TM |
| 10 | Josh Allen | 272.3 | 2018-2024 | buf |
| 11 | Nick Foles | 272.2 | 2012-2022 | phi |
| 12 | Peyton Manning+ | 271.8 | 1998-2015 | 2TM |
| 13 | Aaron Rodgers | 267.9 | 2005-2024 | gnb |
| 14 | Baker Mayfield | 267.6 | 2018-2024 | 2TM |
| 15 | Matt Ryan | 267.2 | 2008-2022 | atl |
| 16 | Joe Burrow | 260.9 | 2020-2024 | cin |
| 17 | Cam Newton | 260.1 | 2011-2021 | car |
| 18 | Ben Roethlisberger | 259.7 | 2004-2021 | pit |
| 19 | Joe Montana+ | 251.0 | 1979-1994 | 2TM |
| 20 | Dan Marino+ | 250.6 | 1983-1999 | mia |
Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Montana and Dan Marino all rank in the top 20 in passing yards per game, too, which just goes to show the types of players Stafford is ahead of.
Stafford hasn’t yet secured his place in Canton, but if he takes the Rams on another deep playoff run this year, he’ll strengthen his case for the Hall of Fame.