As we gear up for Sunday night’s playoff showdown, all eyes are on the clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. This pivotal matchup promises to captivate football fans, not only for what's on the line—a chance to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship—but also for the star-studded battle between two of the NFL's most electrifying quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
Quarterback Duel
Both the Ravens and Bills have exhibited impressive performances this season, driven largely by their dynamic quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson, the unanimous NFL MVP in 2019 and AP first-team All-Pro quarterback this season, is known for his dual-threat capabilities. Though Jackson's accolades are impressive, Josh Allen is no stranger to recognition either, finishing in the top five of NFL MVP voting in three of the last four seasons. The two quarterbacks' skills seem to mirror each other on paper this season, with both posting over 40 total touchdowns, more than 500 rushing yards, and keeping their interceptions below seven.
The competition between Jackson and Allen extends further on the statistical charts. Jackson edged out Allen as the second in EPA per play among quarterbacks, while Allen ranked just behind him in third place. However, Allen claimed the top spot in ESPN's QBR standings, narrowly surpassing Jackson, who followed closely. This statistical parity sets the stage for what could be an unforgettable quarterback face-off.
Protecting the Pass
The Bills and Ravens have armored their quarterbacks well, albeit through different means. The Buffalo Bills' offensive line has only allowed 14 sacks this season, the lowest in the NFL, demonstrating a robust defensive strategy to protect Allen. In contrast, the Ravens have proven their mettle in protecting Jackson through a high pass block win rate, placing third in ESPN’s rankings. The battle in the trenches will be a critical factor, potentially dictating game flow and momentum as both teams strive to keep their quarterbacks upright.
The Path to the Playoffs
The journey to this faceoff has been diverse for both teams. The Ravens have demonstrated their resilience through a gauntlet of a schedule that was the 10th hardest in the league. Not only did they emerge with a 7-3 record against playoff teams, but they also achieved a point differential of +112 against these formidable opponents. Meanwhile, the Bills navigated the third easiest schedule, but they made history by defeating two 15-win teams in a single season—a remarkable accomplishment.
Interestingly, in an early regular season encounter, the Ravens dominated the Bills with a 35-10 victory in Week 4. This previous contest might provide the Ravens with a psychological edge heading into the game, though the stakes are undeniably higher now.
Under the Microscope
Josh Allen's evolution over the course of the season is a narrative of its own. His turnover rate plummeted from 22 in 2023 to just eight in 2024, showing a marked improvement in protecting the ball. However, his record against playoff teams fell short at 2-3, indicating that the upcoming game is crucial for Allen to validate his growth against playoff-caliber defenses.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, on the other hand, appear to be hitting their stride. Their impressive regular season win against the Bills might help bolster their confidence. However, each minute in the postseason adds pressure and Jackson, aiming for his first Super Bowl appearance since becoming the Ravens’ star quarterback, has an incentive of historical magnitude.
What’s on the Line
Both franchises are not only vying for a ticket to face the reigning champions in Kansas City but also have the ever-elusive Super Bowl appearance in their sights—neither team has reached the big game since acquiring their current star quarterbacks. As Jackson and Allen prepare to etch their names into their teams' histories, football fans are guaranteed a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and tenacity. Sunday night won’t be just another playoff game; it will be a spectacle of two elite quarterbacks striving to lead their teams to glory.