This weekend, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills host Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Both men have had MVP-caliber seasons and have been the main reason behind their respective team’s success. However, there is no hiding the fact that both superstars have struggled in the playoffs during their careers.
As reported on X, Allen and Jackson have rather poor postseason records against teams ranked within the top six of the AFC. Allen is 4-0 in the playoffs against No. 7-ranked opponents, however, only 2-5 when playing teams seeded No. 1-6. Likewise, Jackson boasts a 3-4 record against No. 1-6 ranked sides. No matter the result this weekend, one of these stars will be improving their playoff legacy.
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson’s Playoff Record
Despite being two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the past five years, Allen and Jackson have been poor when it matters most. Though much of that is due to the phenomenon that is Patrick Mahomes, there are instances where Allen and Jackson have had important games within reach, yet failed to ultimately close decisive games out.
Josh Allen is a 7th seed merchant? https://t.co/nG18MXNLQC
— 🎙️ (@Magical_Answer) January 15, 2025
This weekend, one of Allen or Jackson have the chance to quiet those questioning their playoff abilities when they face off on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM EST on CBS from Orchard Park, New York.
With Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call for the nationally covered game, all eyes will be on the two QBs.
Divisional Round Preview
Allen and Jackson have had two of the most remarkable statistical seasons in recent memory, due in large part to their dual passing and running style of play. Though only one can win it, both men are unquestionably deserving of the MVP award this campaign.
It’s a matchup of the No. 1 QB vs. the No. 3 QB per PFN’s QB+ metric, which assigns a letter grade to every quarterback performance and factors in a number of stats such as success rate when pressured, third-down conversion rate, pocket production, and clutch performance.
Allen had 3,731 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, and only six interceptions in the 2024 regular season, in addition to his 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing scores. Meanwhile, Jackson had 4,172 passing yards for 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions, while also notching 915 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
For the Bills and Allen to win, they will need to shut down Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry. In their last matchup earlier this year, Henry had over 200 total yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, they will need to find a way to move the ball offensively against a much-improved defense in recent weeks.
For the Ravens and Jackson to advance, they will need to contain the trio of Allen, James Cook, and Khalil Shakir, all of whom have been firing on all cylinders as of late. In addition, the offensive line will need to ensure Jackson has time to throw the ball, given the late-season return of linebacker Matt Milano, who had one sack and one QB hit last week against the Denver Broncos.