Former Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford Gets Surprising Rank in Best QB Poll

Matthew Stafford spent years with the Detroit Lions, and then, he famously moved on to the L.A. Rams. His first year with the Rams, he even brought them a Super Bowl victory. Not too shabby.

Considering Stafford helped his team win the Super Bowl last season, you might think he would be ranked as the No. 1 best quarterback in the league. But, you would think wrong, judging by a new poll.

ESPN polled NFL executives, coaches, players and scouts to rank the current quarterbacks in the NFL. As for how the process worked, "Voters gave us their best 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average, hundreds of interviews, research and film-study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen," ESPN explains. "In total, more than 50 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions." ESNP adds, "The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2022. This is not a five-year projection or an achievement award. Who are the best players today? Pretty simple."

So, where is Stafford? Despite winning a Super Bowl, Stafford didn't budge in the rankings. He was No. 6 last year and is still ranked sixth this year. It might be because Stafford threw 17 interceptions, which tied him for the most in the NFL. I'm pretty shocked that the No. 1 quarterback in the league, according to the poll, is Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers. I mean, he's good, but I didn't think he was still No. 1-level good. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is No. 2, followed by Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. It's cool to still see Brady in the top five, in my opinion.