Stafford or Hurts: Who Is the Better NFL Quarterback?

Choosing Stafford or Hurts depends on what you value most in an NFL quarterback. Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is known for his passing ability, deep throws, and years of experience. Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles offers a different skill set, with strong rushing ability, mobility, and the power to score on the ground as well as through the air.

Both quarterbacks can lead a winning offense, but they do not play the same way. Stafford is a veteran pocket passer who can attack defenses from the pocket, while Hurts adds a running threat that forces defenses to prepare for more possibilities.

Their recent performances also show why this comparison is interesting. In the 2025 regular season, Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. Hurts recorded 3,224 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes. Those numbers favor Stafford as a passer, but they do not tell the whole story because Hurts also contributes as a runner.

This guide compares their playing styles, statistics, experience, strengths, weaknesses, and recent head-to-head results to help you decide which quarterback is better for your needs.

Table of Contents

Stafford or Hurts: Quick Answer

Choose Matthew Stafford for a traditional passing game, pocket awareness, and extensive NFL experience.
Choose Jalen Hurts for mobility, designed quarterback runs, rushing touchdowns, and a dual-threat offense.
For passing production: Stafford’s 2025 regular-season numbers were stronger.
For rushing ability: Hurts has the clear advantage.
For fantasy football: Consider your league’s scoring rules, current performance, matchup, and injury reports.

These are different types of quarterbacks, so the best choice depends on the job you want them to do.

Who Are Matthew Stafford and Jalen Hurts?

A veteran quarterback whose main strength is passing from the pocket.

A dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses with passes and runs.

Matthew Stafford

Stafford entered the NFL in 2009 as the first overall pick in the draft. He began his career with the Detroit Lions and later joined the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won Super Bowl LVI after the 2021 season. His experience makes him one of the more established passers of his generation.

His game centers on reading defenses, delivering accurate throws, and moving the ball through the air. He can throw deep, fit passes into tight windows, and lead late scoring drives.

Jalen Hurts

Hurts entered the NFL in 2020 and became the Eagles’ starting quarterback. He combines passing with athletic movement, designed runs, and short-yardage rushing plays.

His mobility changes how defenses approach Philadelphia. Defenders must watch the receivers and running backs while also accounting for Hurts as a possible ball carrier. That added threat is a major part of his value.

Stafford vs. Hurts: Passing Statistics

The table below compares their 2025 regular-season passing statistics. It provides a consistent full-season comparison rather than mixing different seasons or partial game samples.

Statistic	Matthew Stafford	Jalen Hurts
Games played	17	16
Passing yards	4,707	3,224
Passing touchdowns	46	25
Interceptions	8	6
Completion percentage	65.0%	64.8%
Passer rating	109.2	98.5

Source: official Los Angeles Rams statistics and NFL.com career statistics. Figures shown are for the 2025 regular season.

Stafford led this comparison in passing yards, touchdown passes, and passer rating. His 46 touchdown passes were especially notable, while his completion percentage was close to Hurts’s.

Hurts threw fewer interceptions in fewer games, but his total passing production was lower. That does not automatically make him the worse quarterback. His rushing contributions are an important part of how the Eagles use him.

What do these statistics tell us?

Passing yards: Stafford produced more yards through the air.
Touchdown passes: Stafford had the larger passing touchdown total.
Completion percentage: The two were nearly even.
Interceptions: Hurts threw fewer, although he played one fewer game.
Overall performance: Stafford had the stronger passing season by these measures.

Passing statistics do not capture every part of quarterback play. Rushing production, turnovers on the ground, pressure, supporting players, and offensive systems can all affect the comparison.

Rushing Ability: Where Hurts Has the Advantage

This is the clearest difference between the two quarterbacks.

Stafford is mainly a pocket passer. He can move to avoid pressure or pick up a few yards when a lane opens, but running is not the central feature of his game.

Hurts is a much more active runner. He can scramble when a passing play breaks down, keep the ball on designed runs, and use his strength near the goal line. His rushing threat can force defenders to leave their assignments to stop him.

Rushing factor	Matthew Stafford	Jalen Hurts
Designed quarterback runs	Limited	A major part of his game
Scrambling	Occasional	Frequent option
Goal-line rushing	Limited role	Important scoring option
Defensive pressure on linebackers	Mainly from passing	From passing and running
Dual-threat value	Lower	Higher

Hurts has recorded 64 rushing touchdowns in his regular-season career through the 2026 season’s early statistical snapshot, compared with 15 for Stafford. That difference reflects their roles, not just their athletic ability.

Verdict: If rushing ability is your main consideration, Hurts is the clear choice.

Playing Style: Pocket Passer vs. Dual Threat

Stafford looks to identify coverage, find open receivers, and deliver the ball downfield. His experience helps him recognize defensive looks and make quick decisions. He is especially useful in an offense that depends on timing, passing volume, and accurate throws.

Hurts can make a defense pay for leaving an open running lane. He can throw from the pocket, extend plays, and run when the defense creates space. His mobility gives an offensive coach more ways to attack.

Neither style is automatically superior. A pocket passer can exploit defensive coverage with accurate throws, while a mobile quarterback can punish defenses that focus too heavily on the passing game.

The quality of the offensive line, receivers, running backs, and coaching plan also matters. A quarterback’s statistics should be judged in the context of the team around him.

Stafford vs. Hurts: Career Experience and Achievements

Stafford has a substantial experience advantage. He entered the NFL more than a decade before Hurts and has played through many different offensive situations. His career includes a Super Bowl title with the Rams and years of high-volume passing production.

Hurts has a shorter career but has established himself as a leading dual-threat quarterback. He helped Philadelphia reach Super Bowl LVII after the 2022 season and has continued to provide value as both a passer and runner.

Category	Matthew Stafford	Jalen Hurts
NFL debut	2009	2020
Super Bowl title	Won Super Bowl LVI	No Super Bowl title through the end of 2025
Main strength	Passing and experience	Passing, running, and versatility
Career stage	Veteran	Younger quarterback
Best-known role	Traditional pocket passer	Dual-threat quarterback

Who wins on experience? Stafford.

Who offers more rushing versatility? Hurts.

Career achievements matter, but they cannot tell you who will perform better in the next game. For that, current form, health, opponent, and team conditions are more useful.

Stafford or Hurts for Fantasy Football?

If you are choosing Stafford or Hurts for fantasy football, the answer depends on your scoring format.

In standard fantasy leagues, passing yards and passing touchdowns matter, but rushing yards and rushing touchdowns can create a major advantage. That is why Hurts often has a different fantasy profile from a traditional pocket passer.

Stafford can deliver excellent fantasy results when he throws for many yards and touchdowns. His 2025 season, with 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns, shows his ceiling as a passer.

Hurts can score through the air and on the ground. That gives him more than one route to fantasy points, even when his passing totals are lower.

Which quarterback should you start?

In a league that rewards rushing: Hurts may offer more upside.
In a passing-heavy scoring format: Stafford may be attractive when his passing matchup is favorable.
In a close decision: Compare recent performances, opponent strength, injury reports, weather, and projected playing time.
In a season-long league: Consider consistency and availability, not just one big game.

Do not select a quarterback solely because he had more passing yards in a previous season. Fantasy scoring rewards the points your league actually counts.

Stafford vs. Hurts in the 2026 Season

Current-season performance can change the answer quickly. As of October 9, 2026, both quarterbacks have played four regular-season games.

The Rams’ official statistics list Stafford with 1,189 passing yards, six touchdown passes, and six interceptions. Hurts’s NFL.com statistics list 713 passing yards, seven touchdown passes, and three interceptions.

2026 regular-season stat	Matthew Stafford	Jalen Hurts
Games	4	4
Passing yards	1,189	713
Passing touchdowns	6	7
Interceptions	6	3

These figures reflect the available season statistics through Week 4. They are early-season totals, not final 2026 results.

Stafford has produced more passing yards, while Hurts has thrown more touchdown passes and fewer interceptions so far. These early numbers should be interpreted carefully because four games are a small sample.

The comparison also leaves out rushing production. That matters when judging Hurts, whose running ability is a central part of his value.

What about their latest head-to-head game?

The Rams defeated the Eagles 24-20 on October 4, 2026. Stafford threw for 317 yards but had two interceptions and no touchdown passes. Hurts completed 12 of 27 passes for 93 yards, with his team struggling to sustain drives.

The result gave Stafford the win in that matchup, but one game does not settle the overall quarterback debate. Team defense, play-calling, turnovers, and the performance of supporting players all helped shape the result.

Quick Comparison

Version	Main strength	Better for	Current 2026 snapshot	Verdict
Matthew Stafford	Passing production	Passing-focused offense	More passing yards	Better traditional passer by these early totals
Jalen Hurts	Passing and rushing	Dual-threat offense	More passing TDs, fewer interceptions	More versatile runner

The table compares football performance, not spelling or grammar. Stafford and Hurts are both correctly spelled surnames, so British English and American English spelling rules do not apply to this comparison.

Which Quarterback Should You Choose?

Your best choice depends on what you are trying to decide.

For passing skill and experience: Stafford has the stronger case.
For rushing and offensive versatility: Hurts has the advantage.
For fantasy football: Hurts may provide extra value through rushing, while Stafford can deliver strong passing totals.
For a single game: Consider the opponent, offensive line, injury status, and recent form.
For long-term team building: Consider age, contract, coaching system, and the type of offense you want to run.

Avoid treating one statistic as the final answer. Passing touchdowns, rushing production, turnovers, playoff performance, and consistency all tell different parts of the story.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Stafford and Hurts

Mistake 1: Comparing passing yards alone

Incorrect approach: Stafford has more passing yards, so he must be the better quarterback in every situation.

Better approach: Compare passing and rushing together. Hurts contributes to his offense with his legs as well as his arm.

Mistake 2: Treating one game as proof

Incorrect approach: Stafford won their latest meeting, so he is automatically the better quarterback.

Better approach: Use head-to-head results as one piece of evidence. A single game reflects both teams’ performances, not just the quarterbacks.

Mistake 3: Confusing fantasy value with real-life quarterback quality

Incorrect approach: The quarterback with the most fantasy points is always the best NFL quarterback.

Better approach: Fantasy points depend on league scoring rules. Real-life quarterback evaluation also considers decisions, leadership, accuracy, pressure, and team results.

Memory tip: Stafford is the more traditional passer; Hurts is the dual threat.

Everyday Examples

Here are natural ways to use the comparison in different settings.

Emails: “Should we start Stafford or Hurts in our fantasy lineup this week?”
Business writing: “The analysis compares Stafford’s passing output with Hurts’s dual-threat production.”
News headlines: “Stafford or Hurts? Comparing Two Different NFL Quarterback Styles”
Blogs: “Before choosing Stafford or Hurts, check the scoring format and the upcoming matchup.”
Social media: “Stafford’s arm or Hurts’s legs? Who would you take?”
Academic writing: “The comparison examines passing production, rushing contribution, and quarterback experience.”
Daily conversation: “I’d choose Hurts for his running ability, but Stafford is a great passer.”

Google Trends and Modern Usage

People searching for “Stafford or Hurts” may be looking for a quarterback comparison, fantasy football advice, game predictions, or recent statistics. Search interest can increase around matchups between the Rams and Eagles or when either quarterback has a major performance.

The phrase is not a spelling dispute. It is a comparison between two NFL players. No exact Google Trends figures are provided here, so regional popularity or search volume should not be claimed as a measured fact.

For a timely article, update the statistics after each game and clearly state the season and date. This helps readers distinguish career records, full-season totals, and current-season performance.

FAQs

Should I Start Jalen Hurts or Matthew Stafford?

Start Jalen Hurts if you want the added fantasy value of rushing yards and touchdowns, especially in leagues that reward rushing quarterbacks. Matthew Stafford can be a strong alternative when his passing matchup is favorable. Check their current health, projected points, opponent, and league scoring before making your final decision.

Is Matthew Stafford a Good Pick for Fantasy Football?

Yes, Matthew Stafford can be a good fantasy football pick, particularly in leagues that reward passing production. His value depends on his passing volume, touchdown potential, matchup, and the performance of his receivers. Compare his weekly projection with other available quarterbacks before starting him.

Is Matthew Stafford the Best QB Right Now?

Matthew Stafford is among the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but calling him the best right now depends on current performance and the criteria used. His passing accuracy, experience, and touchdown production make him a strong option. However, rankings also consider consistency, mobility, and overall team impact.

What Is Jalen Hurts’ Record Against Matthew Stafford?

Jalen Hurts and Matthew Stafford’s head-to-head record depends on if you count regular-season games only or include playoff matchups. Their teams’ results are not the same as each quarterback’s individual performance, so check the game-by-game records for an accurate comparison.

Is Jalen Hurts Good for Fantasy Football?

Yes, Jalen Hurts is a strong fantasy football quarterback because he can score through both passing and rushing. His rushing touchdowns give him extra upside compared with many pocket passers. His weekly value still depends on health, matchup, and offensive production.

Is Jalen Hurts a Top 10 QB Right Now?

Jalen Hurts can rank among the NFL’s top 10 quarterbacks, particularly in fantasy football, where rushing production adds significant value. However, his exact ranking changes with recent performances, injuries, and the ranking system being used. Check updated weekly rankings before making a lineup decision.

Conclusion

The Stafford or Hurts debate comes down to two different approaches to quarterback play. Matthew Stafford offers extensive experience, strong passing production, and the ability to attack defenses through the air. Jalen Hurts adds a running threat that can change defensive plans, extend plays, and create scoring opportunities near the goal line.

Stafford’s 2025 passing numbers give him a clear advantage in traditional passing production. Hurts remains an attractive choice for anyone who values mobility, rushing touchdowns, and a quarterback who can contribute in more ways than one. Their early 2026 statistics also show why the comparison should be updated as the season progresses.

For fantasy football, look at scoring rules and weekly matchups. For an overall quarterback comparison, consider passing, rushing, turnovers, consistency, and team success. Neither player wins every category, and a single game cannot settle the debate.

The bottom line: Choose Stafford for a passing-first profile and Hurts for a dual-threat style. Compare the full picture, not just one number, before deciding who is better.

If you follow NFL football, keep track of their latest stats and matchups to see how the comparison changes throughout the season.