The NFL’s Divisional Round delivers a blockbuster matchup between two of the league’s best quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. These dual-threat superstars, drafted in 2018, are at their peaks as they chase their first Super Bowl. But the big question looms: Who deserves the MVP crown?
Let’s dive into the numbers, their impact, and what this rivalry means.
Lamar Jackson And Josh Allen: Dominating The 2024 Season
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have been driving forces for their teams this season. Buffalo’s Allen led the Bills to a 13-4 record and the AFC’s second seed, while Jackson powered the Ravens to a 12-5 record and the third seed. Both quarterbacks have been instrumental in their teams ranking among the top-three scoring offenses.
Allen has continued his evolution, becoming the first NFL player with five consecutive 40-touchdown seasons. This season, he prioritized efficiency, recording career lows in interceptions (6), sacks, and fumbles. Despite not hitting career-highs in passing yards, his improved decision-making was evident, helping Buffalo secure wins against top-seeded Kansas City and Detroit.
Jackson, meanwhile, elevated his passing game to new heights. He set a career-best with 4,172 passing yards and became the first quarterback in history to rush for over 800 yards in a season while also surpassing 4,000 passing yards. His dual-threat capability remains unmatched, as he also broke the all-time record for quarterback rushing yards this year.
MVP Race: The Case For Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson
Josh Allen took the lead in the MVP conversation with an electrifying December. In a snow-filled game against San Francisco, he became the first quarterback to score passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns in a single game. He followed it up with unprecedented feats: three passing and three rushing touchdowns in one game, and two of each in consecutive games.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Jackson, however, showed his value down the stretch. Over Baltimore’s last four games, he threw 12 touchdowns, cementing himself as the first player to combine 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a season. His recognition as the first-team All-Pro quarterback further highlights his dominance, and history favors him- since 1987, the All-Pro QB has almost always won MVP.
The Playoff NFL MVP is Josh Allen with a RANY of +155.8; +71.4% better than the avg QB.
— Ryan McGrane (@InsAnalytics777) January 17, 2025
Top 5 Playoff MVP candidates:
1. Josh Allen: +155.8; +71.4%
2. Lamar Jackson: +94.0; +43.1%
3. Baker Mayfield: +73.3; +33.6%
4. Russell Wilson: +63.1; +29.0%
5. Jayden Daniels: +54.0; +24.7% pic.twitter.com/CXS8kj0hWw
Buffalo’s reliance on Allen strengthens his case. The Bills traded their top receiver in the offseason, leaving Allen to carry more responsibility. In contrast, Baltimore strengthened their offense by signing Derrick Henry, whose 1,921 rushing yards provided a vital safety net for Jackson.
The Ravens had six All-Pro selections compared to Buffalo’s lone pick in Allen. As Bills receiver Khalil Shakir put it: “We go as he goes.”
Also Read: President Donald Trump Reveals His Interesting Take On The 2024 NFL MVP
Why Haven’t Lamar Jackson And Josh Allen Reached A Super Bowl?
Despite their individual brilliance, neither quarterback has reached a Super Bowl. The Ravens’ inconsistency in the postseason has hurt Jackson, who has a 3-4 playoff record. Buffalo, led by Allen, has fared slightly better (6-5) but faces a perennial roadblock: the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have dominated the AFC, winning three Super Bowls in five years. They’ve ended Buffalo’s playoff runs in three of the past four seasons and eliminated both the Ravens and Bills last year.
The only postseason clash between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson came in 2021, with Buffalo winning. However, Baltimore dominated their regular-season meeting this year, with Derrick Henry rushing for a season-high 199 yards in a 35-10 win.
What To Expect This Sunday?
Sunday’s game is more than just a playoff matchup; it’s a showdown between MVP contenders. Buffalo’s cold weather could give Allen the edge, especially since Baltimore has struggled against the pass, allowing one of the league’s highest yardage totals.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have seemingly been on a collision course for months as the NFL’s two leading MVP candidates.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 17, 2025
The award won't be decided Sunday, but the ramifications of the game figure to be immense for the two QBs and their franchises.https://t.co/aKkfYyejSk pic.twitter.com/sikdMfHvGu
Buffalo’s defense must stop Baltimore’s elite rushing attack, led by Henry. To prepare, the Bills even added Lamar Jackson’s former backup, Anthony Brown, to their practice squad. If the Bills contain the Ravens’ run game, Allen could take advantage of Baltimore’s vulnerable secondary.
Who’s The MVP’s Favorite – Final Verdict?
The MVP race is razor-close. Allen’s December heroics and Buffalo’s reliance on him make a strong case. But Jackson’s record-breaking dual-threat ability and All-Pro nod tip the scales in his favor.
While Sunday’s result won’t impact the MVP vote, it’s a chance for these two stars to prove why they’re among the NFL’s elite. Regardless of who wins, fans are in for a treat.
