The Game of The Year: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen Face Career-Defining Divisional Round Battle

This season has seen some of the best quarterback play in a while, and much of the excitement has centered around the MVP race between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Jackson is seeking to win the award for the second straight season and for the third time in his career, while Allen is looking to capture the MVP for the first time in his career. While both would love to take home the MVP, I can guarantee that they are both seeking something greater, which is the first Super Bowl championship of their careers. Ever since their Week 4 matchup, where the Ravens dominated the Bills 35-10, it felt like we were destined to see a rematch in the AFC playoffs. With both quarterbacks playing the best they ever have, and with a trip to the AFC Championship on the line along with a likely chance to take down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, this Divisional Round game is a career-defining moment for both.

Although Jackson and Allen have both proven themselves to be two of the best talents we have ever seen at their position, neither has yet to make it to the Super Bowl, and both still carry questions about their postseason performances. It's one thing to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs; they arguably have the greatest coach and quarterback to ever play. For Allen and Jackson, it’s time to show that they can beat some of the best teams in the league in the playoffs. A loss for either team and quarterback would be devastating, and that is not overstating it.

For Josh Allen, a defeat would mark his fourth straight exit in the Divisional Round, and his third consecutive loss at home. All of those losses would have been to quarterbacks in his class, with those defeats coming from Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and, in this case, Jackson. If the Bills lose, Allen's failure to advance past the second round once again would begin to cast doubt on his ability to perform in crucial playoff situations, overshadowing the best season of his career.

On the other hand, a defeat would leave Lamar Jackson 0-3 against Allen or Mahomes in the playoffs, and he would still be seeking a true signature postseason victory. Even though Jackson has established himself as one of the league’s best quarterbacks, his playoff history would be questioned even more than it already is.

To put it bluntly, the stakes are extremely high for both players. By defeating Buffalo, Jackson could calm doubts about his postseason success and show that his unique play style can work in the playoffs. For Allen, defeating Jackson would show his ability to step up and prove that he can indeed lead the Bills on deep playoff runs.

This game represents the culmination of a season-long story, not simply another playoff matchup. In addition to becoming one step closer to a Super Bowl, the winner would silence many doubters in the process. This game between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen could be the turning point that pushes one of them into the next stage of their careers, especially if either one of them is able to take down Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship Game the following week. Yet a defeat would leave them with unanswered questions and doubts that would drag into a very long offseason for both of them.

The Bills and Ravens will face off in Buffalo on Sunday, January 19th, at 3:30 PM PT.