In Saturdayās showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, Lamar Jackson delivered yet another MVP-caliber performance, further solidifying his case as the leagueās most valuable player this season. Jacksonās versatility was on full display, highlighted by a remarkable NFL milestone that underscores his unique skill setāone rarely seen in the league.
Jackson became the first quarterback in NFL history to finish a season with over 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. In addition, he now holds the record for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback, with 6,154. Head coach John Harbaugh praised Jackson before Week 18, calling him the MVP front-runner, and statistically, this season is shaping up to be even better than Jacksonās 2023-2024 MVP campaign. However, the Ravensā current record doesnāt reflect the same dominance, which could impact his MVP candidacy despite the numbers.
With this win, the Ravens are in position to lock up the AFC North. Securing the division title would allow them to host a playoff game, providing a clearer path to their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl appearance and victory.
Who has the edge in the MVP race?
This season, three quarterbacks stand out as MVP candidates, each delivering career-best performances. All three have achieved feats that would have likely earned them the MVP award in previous years. However, two of these quarterbacksāLamar Jackson and Josh Allenāhave shattered records that make their cases especially compelling.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Both Jackson and Allen have accomplished something unprecedented in NFL history: more than 3,500 passing yards, over 500 rushing yards, 40 or more total touchdowns, and fewer than 10 turnovers in a single season. These extraordinary achievements make them the clear front-runners for the leagueās most prestigious individual award.
see also
NFL imposes strong fine on Chiefs star Travis Kelce for controversial action in game vs Steelers
The case for Josh Allen
Josh Allen has been the engine of the Buffalo Billsā offense, accounting for 93% of the teamās offensive production. He has also generated 80% of the Billsā total yards, a staggering figure, especially considering the lack of support from a standout running back. No Bills RB has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season.
Allen has also made significant strides in ball security, a criticism in past seasons. Heās thrown six interceptions compared to Jacksonās four, but when factoring in lost fumbles, Allen has just seven turnovers to Jacksonās nine.
The case for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jacksonās efficiency and explosiveness remain unmatched. Despite accounting for 77.4% of the Ravensā offensive productionāa lower percentage than AllenāJackson has benefited from a more balanced supporting cast. Baltimore boasts eight Pro Bowlers this season, compared to just one for Buffalo. Additionally, Jackson has Derrick Henry in the backfield, who nearly hit 2,000 rushing yards, relieving some of the defensive focus on the Ravensā quarterback.
Context and narrative
While Jacksonās individual brilliance stands out, the context surrounding Josh Allenās success strengthens his MVP case. The Bills have overcome significant challenges, including salary cap constraints that limited roster depth. Buffalo wasnāt expected to contend for a top seed, yet theyāve secured the AFCās No. 2 spot, largely thanks to Allenās heroic efforts. Conversely, the Ravens, a preseason favorite to secure the AFCās top seed, have fallen short of expectations despite Jacksonās historic season.
see also
Former Super Bowl Champion with Patriots Bill Belichick, makes bold confession about Ex-Giants Eli Manning
Ultimately, the MVP race between Allen and Jackson highlights two contrasting narratives: Allenās resilience in adversity versus Jacksonās unparalleled efficiency and explosiveness. Both have redefined what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback, and the award will likely come down to how voters weigh team context versus individual brilliance.
