The anticipation for Sunday night's playoff game is palpable as the Baltimore Ravens gear up to meet the Buffalo Bills in a marquee matchup that promises to deliver fireworks. Both franchises are eying a coveted spot in the AFC Championship, where a date with the formidable Kansas City Chiefs awaits the victor. What makes this clash even more compelling is that both teams are pursuing their first Super Bowl appearance since acquiring their current star quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
Quarterback Showdown
Lamar Jackson, who captured the NFL MVP award unanimously in 2019, continues to impress with his dynamic play. This season, Jackson was honored as the AP first-team All-Pro quarterback, edging out his counterpart, Josh Allen. The accolade was a testament to Jackson's electrifying performances, which saw him notch over 40 total touchdowns, more than 500 rushing yards, and throw fewer than seven interceptions—a remarkable feat underlining his dual-threat capability.
Josh Allen has been equally impressive, finishing in the top five of NFL MVP voting in three of the last four seasons. His growth as a quarterback is evident, with his turnovers drastically reduced from 22 in 2023 to just eight in 2024. Allen's proficiency is further highlighted by his standing atop ESPN's QBR rankings, while Jackson was a close second. During this current campaign, Allen too amassed over 40 total touchdowns and surpassed 500 rushing yards, mirroring Jackson's prolific output.
Statistical Comparisons
In terms of advanced metrics, Lamar Jackson ranked second in EPA (Expected Points Added) per play among quarterbacks this season, trailing only slightly behind. Josh Allen wasn't far off, boasting a third-place finish in the same category. The competition between these two transcendent talents is razor-thin and adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming game.
Defensive Foundations
On the defensive front, the Bills have been exemplary, allowing an NFL-low 14 sacks this season. This formidable protection has been critical in giving Allen the time needed to execute high-powered plays. Meanwhile, the Ravens have not been far behind, clocking in as the third-ranked team in ESPN's pass block win rate—a key factor in Jackson's ability to orchestrate the Ravens' high-octane offense.
Historical Achievements
The Bills' ability to triumph over two 15-win teams in a single season marks a historic achievement. Despite the team's success against strong opposition, they faced the third easiest schedule, which may raise questions about the resilience of their record when matched against tougher adversaries. Conversely, the Ravens played through the 10th-hardest schedule and emerged with a 7-3 record against playoff teams, underscoring their readiness and grit in pressure-packed scenarios. They also achieved a point differential of +112 against playoff-bound squads, highlighting their prowess in marquee matches.
Regular Season Recollection
When these two squads faced off in Week 4 of the regular season, the Ravens emerged victorious with a dominant 35-10 win over the Bills. That result will undoubtedly serve as a point of reference for both teams as they prepare for this playoff showdown. While the regular season clash tipped in favor of the Ravens, playoff stakes bring different pressures—ones that both coaches and players must navigate expertly.
Path to the Title
For Josh Allen, a 2-3 record against playoff teams this season signals room for improvement when stepping onto the postseason stage. However, each moment in the playoffs presents an opportunity for redemption and rewriting narratives. For Jackson and the Ravens, maintaining their formidable form against stiff competition will be critical to clearing this pivotal hurdle.
As kickoff approaches, the stakes are clear. One will advance closer to Super Bowl glory, holding aspirations of capturing the ultimate prize under the leadership of their talented young quarterback. As fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipate what promises to be an exhilarating and closely contested battle, the Ravens and Bills are set to paint another thrilling chapter in their storied pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.