Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have the AFC on notice so far this season. In a conference where most of the conversation centers around the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins, the Ravens have not so quietly let the NFL know that they may deserve to be in that conversation as well.
The Ravens are currently 6-2 and in first place in the AFC North. In Week 9, they host another division leader in the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks come into the matchup 5-2 and are the surprise leaders of the NFC West over the San Francisco 49ers. While this looks to be a good matchup between two quality teams, if you look at the history of Jackson and how he has faired against NFC opponents — advantage Ravens today.
Lamar Jackson’s Record Against NFC
Jackson has faced 18 NFC opponents in his career. During that time, he has only lost once.
Since taking over as the Ravens’ starting QB job in 2018, Jackson has gone 17-1 against NFC opponents. That record is the best by any quarterback against the opposing conference since the AFL-NFL came together back in 1970.
In his 18 starts against the NFC, Jackson has totaled 37 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He’s proven to play some of the best football of his career versus the opposing conference. Jackson’s only loss came last season to the New York Giants when the Giants won 24-20 at MetLife Stadium.
Jackson Doesn’t Want To Talk About It
Despite the impressive feat, Jackson does not want to discuss his success against the NFC.
“I don’t even want to put that in my head or let you finish that question,” Jackson said playfully, “We’re good. We’re playing football, it’s not about NFC or AFC. I’m trying to win regardless. I’m going to go in there prepared, just like any other team.”
The fact is that the record is probably more interesting than anything actually meaningful, and Jackson may understand that. Every team and player aims to go out there and try to win every Sunday afternoon, regardless of opponent or conference.
Jackson’s unique skill set is a challenge for any team that plays against him. The former NFL MVP’s ability to run the football like a top-tier running back while also being able to drop back and drop a dime from 50 yards out is flat-out tough to defend for any defense.
Week 9 Matchup Between 2 Ascending Teams
Despite Jackson’s NFC record anomaly, the fact remains that the Ravens have a tough test in front of them today. The Seahawks look to be the real deal and have the talent on all three phases to be the Ravens’ toughest challenge yet.
Jackson will need to be on point today, as the Seahawks’ pass rush is capable of getting after the quarterback and making things uncomfortable while having a secondary that is opportunistic and sticky in coverage.
MORE: NFL Standings Week 9
The Ravens dismantled the last NFC power that they faced when they handled the Detroit Lions with ease, but Week 9 may not be so easy for Baltimore this time around.
Both of these teams seem primed to factor into their respective conference playoff seedings. While there is a lot of football left to be played, this may be a matchup we could see once again come February in Las Vegas.
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