Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen Will Face Off for a Berth in the AFC Championship Game
As the 2024 NFL postseason heats up, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement over one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year. In a pivotal Divisional Round game, Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, will face off against Josh Allen, the powerful signal-caller for the Buffalo Bills, with a coveted spot in the AFC Championship Game on the line.
Both quarterbacks have been central to their respective teams’ successes over the past few seasons, each carving out their unique paths to becoming elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, the stage is set for an unforgettable battle. This game represents more than just a ticket to the AFC Championship—it’s a battle of contrasting styles, contrasting strengths, and contrasting paths to greatness.
In this article, we explore the storylines surrounding this thrilling matchup, how both quarterbacks have shaped their teams’ fortunes, the impact of their supporting casts, and what to expect as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen square off for a place in the biggest game of the AFC season.
The Storylines Leading to the Showdown
Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have been two of the most dynamic and exciting quarterbacks in the NFL in recent years. Both players have transformed their teams and have created a legacy of thrilling plays, but their paths to the playoffs—and the way they’ve carried their teams to this pivotal game—couldn’t be more different.
For Lamar Jackson, it’s been a story of rising from doubt and overcoming injuries to become one of the most feared quarterbacks in the NFL. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has revolutionized the quarterback position. Jackson has long been recognized for his otherworldly mobility and his vision as a runner, but what’s truly set him apart in recent seasons has been his development as a passer. His ability to make throws down the field, combined with his electric running ability, makes him a nightmare for defenses.
The Ravens’ offense, built around Jackson’s dual-threat ability, has been one of the most difficult to stop in the NFL. Despite injuries to key players like Jackson himself and Mark Andrews, the Ravens have been able to power through the season, earning a spot in the playoffs and positioning themselves as a dangerous team that can upset anyone on their way to the championship.
On the other side of the ball stands Josh Allen. The towering quarterback for the Buffalo Bills is often compared to a linebacker for his size and physicality, yet it’s his cannon of an arm and incredible mobility that make him so dangerous. Allen has been the face of the Bills’ resurgence as a championship contender and has turned Buffalo into one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. With weapons like Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and James Cook, Allen has flourished as a passer, while his ability to break off long runs and extend plays has made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the game.
Much like Jackson, Allen has had his share of ups and downs over the years. But in 2024, he seems poised to take the next step, having led the Bills to the 2nd seed in the AFC and earning a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Bills’ explosive offense and tough defense, led by stars like Tremaine Edmunds and Micah Hyde, have made them one of the top teams in the league. Now, with everything on the line, Allen will be looking to lead the Bills to the AFC Championship Game and finally capture that elusive Super Bowl berth.
The Battle of Styles: Dual-Threat vs. Cannon Arm
The matchup between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen is compelling for many reasons, but one of the most interesting aspects of their rivalry is the contrast in playing styles.
Lamar Jackson is a quarterback who defies conventional norms. He thrives in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, where his ability to break free from defenders with explosive speed is a constant threat. Jackson’s running ability sets up everything the Ravens do offensively. Whether it’s designed quarterback runs, read-options, or scrambles, Jackson has the unique ability to turn any play into a highlight reel moment. As a passer, Jackson has shown improvement, and his arm strength and accuracy have evolved. But what makes Jackson so dangerous is his unpredictability; defenses can never truly know what’s coming, and his ability to make plays on the fly is a huge advantage.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, is more of a traditional quarterback, though his size, arm strength, and mobility push him into the “dual-threat” category. Allen’s primary weapon is his arm—he has one of the strongest, most accurate arms in the NFL, capable of making throws on any part of the field, no matter the distance. His accuracy has improved over the years, and with weapons like Stefon Diggs stretching the field, Allen is able to pick apart defenses with ease. Like Jackson, Allen also poses a threat with his legs, although his mobility is more about extending plays than designed runs. Allen’s size and physicality allow him to shrug off tacklers and gain extra yards, and his mobility gives him the freedom to make throws from anywhere on the field.
The contrast between Jackson’s quickness and Allen’s power is what makes this matchup so enticing. Both quarterbacks are capable of making spectacular plays, but they do so in different ways. Jackson’s quickness and elusiveness are complemented by a versatile offensive system that thrives on misdirection and running the football. In contrast, Allen’s pure arm strength, combined with his ability to improvise, allows the Bills to open up the field and stretch defenses vertically.
The key question heading into this game is which style of play will prevail: the Ravens’ run-first, mobile quarterback-led offense or the Bills’ explosive passing attack spearheaded by Allen? The defenses on both sides will have their hands full trying to contain these dynamic quarterbacks, and the battle for supremacy between Jackson and Allen is sure to be one of the most captivating storylines of the postseason.
Supporting Casts: Key Players Around Both Quarterbacks
While both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are undoubtedly the focal points of their respective teams, the success of each squad will depend heavily on the performances of their supporting cast. Football is a team game, and while the quarterback position is the most important, both teams are built around more than just their signal-callers.
For the Baltimore Ravens, the offensive line will play a huge role in giving Lamar Jackson time to operate. The Ravens’ offensive line has been solid, but they’ll need to control the line of scrimmage to establish the run and give Jackson time to make plays. J.K. Dobbins has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL when healthy, and his ability to pound the rock and control the clock will be crucial for the Ravens’ success. Additionally, Mark Andrews, one of the best tight ends in the league, will need to be a reliable target in the passing game, helping Jackson move the chains and provide stability to the offense.
On defense, the Ravens have a talented group that can disrupt opposing offenses. Marlon Humphrey, one of the league’s top cornerbacks, will be crucial in covering Buffalo’s star receiver, Stefon Diggs, while Calais Campbell and Patrick Queen will look to put pressure on Josh Allen and disrupt his rhythm. The Ravens’ ability to stop the run and get after Allen will be key to their success in this game.
For the Buffalo Bills, Allen will rely heavily on his playmaking receivers. Stefon Diggs is the obvious star, but Gabe Davis, Dawson Knox, and James Cook are all capable of making big plays when needed. Allen’s connection with Diggs will be pivotal, as Diggs is one of the league’s top deep threats. If the Ravens can’t contain Diggs, it could be a long day for Baltimore’s defense.
On defense, the Bills have a well-rounded unit that can be a game-changer. Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano will be key in stopping the Ravens’ run game and containing Jackson on the ground. Meanwhile, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer provide stability in the secondary, where they will be tested by Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs and find receivers down the field.
Both teams have strong supporting casts, but each will have to rise to the occasion to complement the performances of their quarterbacks.
What’s at Stake: AFC Championship Berth
At its core, this game is about more than just advancing to the next round of the playoffs—it’s about securing a spot in the AFC Championship Game and one step closer to the Super Bowl. For both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, this game presents an opportunity to cement their legacies as elite quarterbacks. Both have the talent and potential to lead their teams to the promised land, and the outcome of this game will serve as a major milestone in their respective careers.
For Lamar Jackson, a win here would be another significant step toward silencing any remaining doubters and proving that he is not just a flashy, one-dimensional quarterback but a true leader who can lead his team to greatness. Jackson’s ability to rise in the postseason, especially in big moments, would solidify his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
For Josh Allen, a win would bring him one step closer to the Super Bowl and would help further establish his place as one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Allen has the physical tools to take over games, but he’s yet to reach the pinnacle of his potential. A victory in this game would put him in the conversation as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, with a shot at earning a Super Bowl appearance.
Ultimately, both quarterbacks have a chance to prove they belong among the NFL’s best, but only one will come out victorious and advance to the AFC Championship. The stage is set for a historic showdown between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, a game that promises to be filled with drama, excitement, and high-level football. Fans can’t wait to see who will rise to the occasion and move one step closer to glory.
