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While the landscape of the NFL is filled with pressure, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford may face the most pressure to succeed this season. After winning the MVP, Stafford now has the best team in the league. By acquiring Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Myles Garrett, the Rams find themselves at the top of the NFL. As Super Bowl favorites, Stafford and the Rams must win to have a successful season. While quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen also face pressure to win, much of it revolves around their past playoff performances. Stafford’s ability to perform in big games has never been questioned, but with only one Super Bowl title, can he lead the Rams to win another? The Rams selected Ty Simpson in the first round of the NFL Draft this year. Even after watching his potential replacement get drafted, Stafford knows he has to perform this year and make the most of it. “I think my job, first and foremost, is to get myself and our team ready to play as best I possibly can,” Stafford said. Star Quarterbacks Facing Massive Pressure in 2026-27 NFL Season Josh Allen Although Buffalo Bills’ Allen is a top-tier quarterback, he is under extreme pressure this season to succeed. After losing to the Denver Broncos in the playoffs last year, Allen needs to rewrite his playoff failures. After finishing the game with four turnovers, Allen only made his playoff record worse. Critics speculated that his playoff failures stemmed from the repeated matchup with Patrick Mahomes, but after facing the Broncos, Allen has bigger problems. Allen’s inability to get to the Super Bowl has only created more pressure for him entering this season. Even though many scouts and critics have considered him one of the NFL’s best players, Allen’s legacy has been defined by his inability to break through and reach the Super Bowl. This season will mark the first time Allen is working with a new head coach, Joe Brady. As Buffalo’s offensive coordinator last season, Brady knows Allen. Although there is familiarity between the Allen and Brady, it doesn’t negate the pressure they face. While Stafford and Allen are both under a lot of pressure, they face different pressures. Allen must reach the Super Bowl, while Stafford must win with the elite roster he’s been given. Lamar Jackson Since he was drafted in 2018, Jackson has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The longtime Baltimore Raven has been at the center of opinions since he first entered the draft process. After winning the Heisman, scouts and critics questioned his ability to play quarterback at the professional level. Many believed that because of his speed and athleticism, Jackson would be better suited for wide receiver. Because many doubted his ability to succeed as a quarterback, Jackson’s pressure to succeed was actually very little. While Jackson has been unfairly judged since being drafted, he is still among the top quarterbacks with the most pressure entering this season. Jackson’s playoff history is filled with bad losses. Jackson hasn’t always been the best playoff performer, but with a new coach, he’s poised to help the Ravens get over the hump this season. Like Allen, Jackson’s pressure is different than Stafford’s. Jackson must win to rewrite his playoff story, while Stafford must win to avoid wasting the best roster in the league. However, Jackson does have a slight boost. After polling active players, Jackson was ranked as the 69th-best player in the league. After two MVPs, Jackson has some added motivation this season. Main photo credit: Kirby Lee Imagn Images MORE NFL NEWS: LWOS Rankings: Special Teams Ranked By NFL Division LWOS Rankings: Defensive Backs Ranked By NFL Division 2026 NFL Head Coach Rankings: Hot Seat Edition