When Matthew Stafford entered the NFL as the first overall pick in 2009, the Detroit Lions were in a deep rebuild. Over the years, Stafford evolved into one of the league’s most talented and toughest quarterbacks. From setting passing records in Detroit to winning a Super Bowl with the Rams, his journey has been filled with dramatic highs and frustrating lows.
But how well does Stafford perform against the league’s best? At SportsAndFitnessDigest.com, we define “winning teams” as those that finish the regular season with a .500 record or better. This definition ensures consistency when evaluating quarterback performance against proven competition.
This article breaks down every regular season game Stafford started against those teams, season by season, and shows how he stacks up against today’s elite quarterbacks.
Table of Contents
Matthew Stafford’s Record vs Winning Teams
Through the end of the 2024 regular season, Matthew Stafford has a career record of 33–84 (.282) against teams that finished .500 or better.
Only games where he was the starting quarterback and against teams that finished the season at .500 or above are included.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 0–6 | — | Vikings (2x), Bengals, Cardinals |
| 2010 | 0–5 | — | Packers, Giants, Cowboys |
| 2011 | 2–4 | Cowboys, Raiders | Packers (2x), 49ers |
| 2012 | 3–6 | Seahawks, Eagles, Rams | Packers (2x), Vikings, Texans |
| 2013 | 2–7 | Bears, Cowboys | Bengals, Steelers, Ravens |
| 2014 | 3–6 | Dolphins, Vikings, Packers | Patriots, Cardinals, Bills |
| 2015 | 2–7 | Packers, Raiders | Seahawks, Broncos, Cardinals |
| 2016 | 3–6 | Redskins, Vikings, Giants | Cowboys, Texans, Packers |
| 2017 | 3–6 | Vikings, Packers, Panthers | Saints, Steelers, Ravens |
| 2018 | 2–6 | Patriots, Packers | Bears (2x), Vikings, Seahawks |
| 2019 | 2–6 | Eagles, Chargers | Packers (2x), Vikings |
| 2020 | 1–7 | Cardinals | Packers (2x), Titans, Colts |
| 2021 | 5–2 | Buccaneers, Cardinals, Vikings | 49ers, Titans |
| 2022 | 1–5 | Falcons | Cowboys, 49ers, Seahawks |
| 2023 | 1–5 | Saints | Ravens, 49ers, Bengals |
| 2024 | 3–4 | Seahawks, Vikings, Browns | Packers, Lions, Ravens |
Career Total: 33 Wins – 84 Losses (.282)
Chart: Matthew Stafford vs .500+ Teams
How Stafford Compares
Despite his long career and impressive stats, Stafford’s win percentage against winning teams ranks below many of his peers. His early years in Detroit were marked by poor team play and frequent coaching changes, skewing his numbers significantly. However, his arrival in Los Angeles culminated in a Super Bowl victory in 2021 and a career-high 5–2 record in those tough matchups.
Here’s how Stafford compares to some other active quarterbacks:
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Josh Allen: 21–23 (.477)
- Kirk Cousins: 23–38 (.377)
- Dak Prescott: 19–38 (.333)
- Justin Herbert: 10–26 (.278)
- Jared Goff: 24–37 (.393)
The Value of This Metric
It’s not enough to rack up wins against bottom-tier teams. The true test of a quarterback’s legacy is how they perform against high-quality opponents. Stafford’s struggles in Detroit and flashes of brilliance with the Rams tell the story of a talented passer who needed the right environment to succeed.
In recent seasons, even as injuries and roster limitations slowed the Rams, Stafford has shown he still has the tools to win big games. His 3–4 finish in 2024 is respectable, especially when factoring in the Rams’ mid-tier standing and injury-riddled offense.
Key Takeaways
- Stafford’s win percentage against winning teams is just .282, but that includes several years on struggling Detroit teams.
- His performance has improved with the Rams, including a Super Bowl run and winning seasons in tough matchups.
- Stafford’s place in NFL history may be more complex than just his record—it’s about what he’s done with the tools he’s had.
External References
- Matthew Stafford Game Log – Pro Football Reference
- Rams Depth Chart – ESPN
- Quarterback Statistics – RBSDM
Final Thoughts
Matthew Stafford’s record against winning teams paints a complicated picture. While the early losses piled up in Detroit, his resilience and skill became clearer once given a solid team. He’s not just a stat-padder—he’s a quarterback who’s battled through adversity and still managed to reach the top of the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, Stafford has another opportunity to build on the momentum from 2024 and prove that his winning days are far from over.
