Anticipation Builds as Ravens Set to Clash with Bills in Playoff Showdown
As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in a highly anticipated Sunday night playoff encounter, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the winner set to challenge the formidable Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship, both teams are fueled by the prospect of returning to the Super Bowl stage for the first time since the emergence of their star quarterbacks.
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, both integral to their teams' offensive prowess, have solidified their reputations as franchise cornerstones. Jackson, the unanimous NFL MVP in 2019, has continued to demonstrate his versatile skill set. Meanwhile, Allen has been a consistent performer, having finished in the top five of NFL MVP voting in three out of the last four seasons.
This season, both quarterbacks dazzled with their productivity, each notching over 40 total touchdowns and racking up more than 500 rushing yards, while limiting their interceptions to fewer than seven. Lamar Jackson's excellence was further recognized as he was voted AP first-team All-Pro over Josh Allen, an accolade that underscored his remarkable season. Interestingly, the last time the MVP and first-team All-Pro quarterback honors were divided was back in 1987 with legends Joe Montana and John Elway.
A Tight Race in Advanced Metrics
Advanced metrics further highlight the rivalry between these quarterbacks. Jackson finished the season ranked second in EPA (Expected Points Added) per play among quarterbacks, with Allen closely trailing in third. On ESPN's QBR (Quarterback Rating) standings, Allen held the top spot, followed by Jackson, showcasing the competitive edge between the two.
Their supporting casts have also contributed significantly to their success. The Buffalo Bills' offensive line shielded Allen effectively, allowing an NFL-low 14 sacks throughout the season. The Ravens, on the other hand, boasted the third-best pass block win rate according to ESPN, providing Jackson with crucial protection.
Paths Through the Regular Season
The Bills' achievement of defeating two 15-win teams in a single season was historically impressive. However, they navigated a relatively easy path with the third easiest regular-season schedule. Conversely, the Ravens faced the 10th-hardest schedule, yet emerged with a commendable record of 7-3 against playoff contenders, reflecting their resilience and readiness for high-pressure games.
In their earlier season clash in Week 4, the Ravens emerged victorious against the Bills with a dominant 35-10 win, a performance that may provide them a psychological advantage going into Sunday's showdown. The point differential further accentuates Baltimore's strength, boasting a +112 margin against playoff teams.
Josh Allen's individual contribution should not be overlooked, despite his 2-3 record against playoff teams this season. His reduction in turnovers from 22 in 2023 to just 8 in 2024 marks a significant improvement in his gameplay, showcasing both growth and steadiness under pressure.
Implications for the Future
As the Ravens and Bills prepare to battle on the gridiron, the larger narrative remains the pursuit of a Super Bowl appearance—a landmark achievement for both franchises in the era of Jackson and Allen. The game promises a thrilling display of strategic acumen and individual brilliance, capturing the imagination of football fans eager to witness which young quarterback will rise to the occasion and lead his team one step closer to NFL glory.
With both teams armed with a blend of youth and experience, the forthcoming matchup not only serves as a critical playoff contest but also as a stage for Jackson and Allen to cement their legacies in the annals of NFL history.