Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen: Who can beat Patrick Mahomes and deserves the NFL MVP?
The NFL MVP race this season has captivated fans, with two standout quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, vying for the league’s most prestigious individual honor. Both have delivered incredible seasons, solidifying their status among the NFL elite. Yet, one question overshadows their stellar performances: Can either player overcome Patrick Mahomes when it matters most?
Jackson vs. Allen: A Season for the History Books
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen both made NFL history this season. Jackson became the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards while rushing for 900 in a single campaign, showcasing his unmatched dual-threat abilities. Meanwhile, Allen achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player ever to pass for at least two touchdowns and rush for two touchdowns in consecutive games.
Both quarterbacks also excelled in efficiency. Jackson posted the fourth-highest passer rating in NFL history (119.6), with only four interceptions, proving doubters of his pocket-passing potential wrong. Similarly, Allen drastically cut down turnovers, throwing just six picks and leading the Bills to the NFL’s lowest giveaway total since 1990. These achievements highlight the elite performance levels that make the MVP race between these two so compelling.
Regular Season Greatness vs. Postseason Challenges
While their regular-season stats bolster their MVP candidacy, the postseason tells a different story. Neither Jackson nor Allen has managed to overcome the Mahomes in the playoffs—a critical hurdle in establishing their legacy.
Last year, Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated both the Ravens and Bills en route to another Super Bowl victory. Jackson, after guiding Baltimore to the No. 1 seed, faltered in the AFC Championship, throwing two costly interceptions and taking four sacks. His career playoff record now sits at 2-4. For Allen, the disappointment is similar, with a 5-5 postseason record that includes a heart-wrenching overtime loss to Mahomes’ Chiefs in the 2021 AFC Divisional Round.
These setbacks highlight Mahomes’ dominance and add urgency for Jackson and Allen to prove they can overcome the reigning champion when it matters most.
The Playoff Path: Super Bowl or Bust?
This postseason presents another chance for both quarterbacks to chase greatness. Jackson and the Ravens will host the Steelers in the Wild Card round, while Allen and the Bills face the Broncos. If both teams advance, fans may witness a highly anticipated divisional-round showdown between these two MVP candidates.
However, the ultimate challenge lies ahead. Patrick Mahomes, a two-time league MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP, will likely await the AFC Championship. For Jackson, winning a third MVP would place him in an exclusive club of just six players. For Allen, it would mark his first MVP win. Yet both know that in the NFL, true greatness is measured not by individual awards but by securing the Super Bowl crown.
Can Jackson or Allen Take Down Mahomes?
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have cemented their place as two of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, but the lingering question remains: Can they lead their teams to a Super Bowl victory? Jackson’s postseason struggles stem from overexcitement in high-pressure moments, a flaw he’s actively working to overcome. Allen, meanwhile, emphasizes staying grounded and focused, taking the playoffs one game at a time.
As they embark on their playoff journeys, the opportunity to dethrone Mahomes and claim a championship is within reach. Both players have the talent, leadership, and determination to redefine their legacies. Whether it’s Jackson’s electrifying playmaking or Allen’s unmatched versatility, the stage is set for an unforgettable postseason.
For fans, the race to see who emerges as the ultimate champion—on the field and in history—makes this season’s MVP debate all the more exhilarating. Will this be the year one of them finally breaks through? Only time will tell.
