In what promises to be an electrifying matchup, the Baltimore Ravens are set to face off against the Buffalo Bills in a Sunday night playoff game. Both teams are on the brink of history, each seeking their first Super Bowl appearance since acquiring their current star quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson for the Ravens and Josh Allen for the Bills.
Quarterback Showdown
Lamar Jackson, known for his electric play, was the unanimous NFL MVP in 2019 and continues to impress. This season, he was voted AP first-team All-Pro, edging out Allen for the honor. Notably, this marks the first time since 1987 that the MVP and first-team All-Pro quarterback honors have been split, evoking memories of the era of Joe Montana and John Elway.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, has consistently been at the top of the game, finishing in the top five of NFL MVP voting in three out of the last four seasons. This season, Allen has led the league in ESPN’s QBR standings, with Jackson trailing him closely. Both quarterbacks boast over 40 total touchdowns, more than 500 rushing yards, and fewer than seven interceptions this season—testament to their dual-threat capabilities and precision under pressure.
Team Strengths and Season Journeys
The Bills’ offensive line deserves commendation for a stellar performance, having allowed an NFL-low 14 sacks this season, a pivotal factor in Allen’s success. Meanwhile, the Ravens aren’t far behind, ranking third in ESPN's pass block win rate, ensuring that Jackson has had ample protection to execute his dynamic style of play.
The Buffalo Bills have already made history this season by defeating two 15-win teams, showcasing their resilience and potential to dominate elite competition. However, they have had the third easiest schedule this season—a fact that could influence outcomes against more seasoned opponents. The Ravens, on the other hand, have emerged from the 10th-hardest schedule with a point differential of +112 against playoff teams and a commendable 7-3 record, evidencing their ability to perform under pressure.
Previous Encounters and Lessons Learned
These two teams have locked horns before, with the Ravens clinching a decisive 35-10 victory over the Bills in Week 4 of the regular season. This result will be ever-present in the minds of both teams as they clash again, carrying either the weight of redemption or the momentum of past victory. For Allen, it’s a chance to prove himself further; he had a 2-3 record against playoff teams this season, a statistic he’ll be eager to improve upon.
Josh Allen has shown marked improvement in ball security, reducing his turnovers from 22 in 2023 to a mere 8 in 2024—an impressive evolution that could be the factor that tips the scales in Buffalo’s favor.
The Path to the AFC Championship
The stakes for this game are monumental. The winner will earn the right to challenge the formidable Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship, setting up a potential clash with stars like Patrick Mahomes. Each team has crafted its path to success through formidable individual talents and cohesive team effort, and now they stand on the precipice of making history.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching with bated breath as these two powerhouses collide. It’s more than a game; it’s a testament to the journey of two franchises converging at a pivotal moment where past achievements and future aspirations meet. Each play will be scrutinized, every decision potentially historic, as the drama of the NFL playoffs unfolds under the bright lights of the Sunday night stage.