Stafford MVP Buzz: Rams Rout Buccaneers 34-7

Merlin sees Matthew Stafford drawing genuine MVP buzz after outdueling Baker Mayfield in a 34–7 Rams win. He threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns (25-of-35), finding Davante Adams twice and Colby Parkinson once. The victory pushed L.A. to 9-2 on a six-game streak and kept them atop the NFC West; fans even flooded social media with "MVP" chants. Mayfield left injured after a Hail Mary before halftime — he was 9-of-19 for 41 yards, one TD and two interceptions — and Tampa Bay has slipped into a tie with Carolina during a three-game skid. This matters because the Rams scored on four first-half drives and added a defensive pick-six, showing championship-level control when clicking. Merlin senses Stafford’s late-career revival is more than a hot night: if his health and protection hold, Los Angeles becomes a dangerous title favorite. The trip to Carolina next week will be a clearer test of whether this surge is sustainable.