Baker Mayfield Drops Major Compliment on Matthew Stafford Ahead of High-Stakes Bucs–Rams QB Showdown

Last time Baker Mayfield was in Los Angeles, he was an outcast following failed stints with the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers. On Sunday, however, Mayfield returns as the franchise quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, aiming to secure a win over his former employers.

Ahead of the big showdown at SoFi Stadium, Mayfield revealed that his time in LA played a big part in shaping his career. He showered Matthew Stafford with praise. From Mayfield’s point of view, Stafford is a top 3 or 5 quarterback. He told reporters recently:

As long as he was in Detroit, [Matthew] didn’t get a lot of credit for how really good he was, and you’re seeing that now. To me, he’s always been a top three or five quarterback in the league, and one of the best, if not the best, pure passer in the history.

Mayfield received firsthand education on Stafford’s gunslinging abilities when he arrived in LA in 2022. Seven games into the campaign, the Panthers released the former first overall pick, citing poor performance. The Rams claimed him off waivers in December as an emergency replacement for Stafford, who suffered a spinal cord injury.

Two days into his Rams career, Mayfield would come on for his debut against the Raiders to replace the injured John Wolford. He led the Rams to a win, including orchestrating a 98-yard touchdown drive that often stirs up headlines whenever Mayfield is the center of attention.

Mayfield’s one-month detour with the Rams provided him the luxury to learn from Stafford and the way he approaches the game. Needless to say, it was a welcoming development in his journey to becoming a top NFL quarterback. Mayfield said:

I gained an even more level of respect for him about the communication, about how he wanted certain routes, certain schemes to be done… I had a lot of respect for him before, but seeing him in person, on how detailed he really was, and exactly what he was trying to check, that was big, seeing it in person.

#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield was asked about Matthew Stafford:

“As long as he was in Detroit, he didn’t get credit for how good he really was. … To me, he’s always been a top 3–5 QB in the league and one of the best, if not the best, pure passer ever in the history of the NFL.”

(🎥… pic.twitter.com/jmOkBz5Alw

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 20, 2025

Mayfield was club-less once again after leaving the Rams. However, a new opportunity soon opened up. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ search for a new quarterback after Tom Brady‘s retirement led them to sign Mayfield. He won the QB battle against Kyle Trask ahead of the 2023 season and has been the Bucs starter ever since.

Two NFC South titles, multiple playoff appearances, and a three-year $100 million extension later, Mayfield realized his dream of being an established NFL QB. The only step left for him now is leading the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory.

Odds, date, time & streaming platforms for the mega week 12 clash between Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers and Matthew Stafford’s Rams

After losing just two games from eight, the Bucs lost the last two games in their schedule to stand on a 6-4 record. The Bucs still managed 55 combined points in those two losses.

Mayfield is the driving force behind the Bucs’ winning culture despite missing key players, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, due to injuries. The Pro Bowler threw for 2,365 yards with 17 touchdowns and three picks, while adding 197 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.

The Rams, on the other hand, are 8-2 thanks to Stafford’s gunslinging abilities. Stafford threw 27 passing touchdowns (most in the league), just 2 interceptions (yet to throw a pick since week 2), and 2,557 passing yards (fourth most) through the first 11 weeks of football.

Sunday’s game makes it crucial for both. The Bucs need the win to increase their chances of bypassing the wildcard and playing divisional round football. As for the Rams, they need the win to keep pace with the 8-2 Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC number one seed.

• Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams
• Date: Sunday, November 23
• Game Time: 8:20 pm ET
• Venue: SoFi Stadium
• How to Watch (TV): NBC/Peacock

Bucs-Rams odds

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Rams are the favorites to defeat the Buccaneers in week 12.

Spread

• Buccaneers +6.5 (-102)
• Rams -6.5 (-120)

Moneyline

• Buccaneers +265
• Rams -330

Total

• OVER 49.5 (-110)
• UNDER 49.5 (-110)

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