NFL Playoffs: Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson – Stats, Head-to-Head, and MVP Favorite

As the NFL playoffs loom large, the competition intensifies, and among the most thrilling matchups to look forward to is the potential showdown between two of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Both quarterbacks have been at the heart of their respective teams’ successes, and a head-to-head clash between the two would undoubtedly be a spectacle to behold. The duel between Allen, the rocket-armed gunslinger for the Buffalo Bills, and Jackson, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, will bring intrigue and anticipation as fans eagerly debate who has the edge in terms of individual performances, stats, and MVP credentials.

In this article, we’ll break down their respective stats, the head-to-head comparison, and analyze who the MVP favorite might be as the season progresses toward its thrilling conclusion.

Josh Allen: The Strong Arm and Elevated Play

Josh Allen entered the NFL with significant expectations due to his combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism. However, it wasn’t until the 2020 season that he truly started to emerge as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. Since then, Allen has consistently put up impressive numbers and led the Buffalo Bills to consistent playoff contention.

2024 Season Stats (as of Week 18)

Pass Completions/Attempts: 393/593
Completion Percentage: 66.2%
Passing Yards: 4,342
Touchdowns: 37
Interceptions: 12
Rushing Yards: 690
Rushing Touchdowns: 8
Passer Rating: 99.2
QB Wins: 12-5

Allen’s game has taken another step forward this season as his passing has become even more efficient, though his rushing ability remains an integral part of his arsenal. His impressive dual-threat nature, particularly near the goal line, allows him to be both a pocket passer and a ground weapon when needed. The Bills’ offense has been explosive, with Allen leading the charge through both the air and the ground.

One of Allen’s defining features is his cannon-like arm, capable of launching deep throws that break open games. His chemistry with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been critical to Buffalo’s offensive success, and Allen’s ability to connect on deep balls has allowed the team to stretch the field and challenge defenses vertically. As a result, the Bills’ offense is one of the most dynamic in the NFL, capable of scoring in a variety of ways.

However, Allen’s penchant for turnovers has occasionally been a thorn in his side. His interceptions, though down this year compared to previous seasons, have still proven costly at times. Nevertheless, his ability to bounce back and make clutch plays when it matters most has been a hallmark of his play.

Lamar Jackson: The Ultimate Dual-Threat QB

Lamar Jackson is the reigning MVP (2019) and continues to be one of the most unique quarterbacks in NFL history. Known for his jaw-dropping speed and elusiveness, Jackson has reshaped the quarterback position with his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. He has consistently been a terror for opposing defenses, with his combination of agility, speed, and vision on the ground making him one of the most dangerous rushing quarterbacks in NFL history.

2024 Season Stats (as of Week 18)

Pass Completions/Attempts: 303/463
Completion Percentage: 65.5%
Passing Yards: 3,468
Touchdowns: 31
Interceptions: 9
Rushing Yards: 1,065
Rushing Touchdowns: 6
Passer Rating: 94.5
QB Wins: 13-4

Jackson’s 2024 season has been another example of his versatility. He’s not just a mobile quarterback; his passing numbers continue to improve, and his decision-making has been sharper. While Jackson’s passing numbers aren’t as gaudy as some of his peers, his ability to extend plays with his legs and produce in critical moments keeps defenses on their heels. His rushing yards are outstanding for a quarterback, and he remains one of the most dangerous players in the open field.

The Ravens’ offense has been built around Jackson’s unique talents, with the team focusing heavily on the run game and play-action passing. Despite a few struggles in terms of passing consistency, Jackson remains a threat to break a big play at any moment.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jackson’s game is how well he utilizes the running back corps and tight ends in the passing game. His ability to make quick decisions and find his secondary targets has helped elevate the Ravens’ offense. Additionally, while the Ravens have relied on a run-heavy system for most of Jackson’s career, the team has incorporated more spread concepts in recent seasons, allowing Jackson to showcase his improved throwing mechanics and decision-making.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Allen vs. Jackson

When comparing Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, it becomes clear that both quarterbacks have different styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Allen’s combination of size, arm strength, and dual-threat capabilities allows him to play the game in a traditional pocket-passer role while also being dangerous with his legs. Jackson, on the other hand, plays with a more improvisational style, relying on his speed and elusiveness to escape pressure and make big plays.

Passing Game: Allen’s Strengths vs. Jackson’s Improvement

Josh Allen clearly has the edge in terms of arm strength and deep passing ability. His laser-accurate throws, especially on deep routes, have made him one of the league’s most dangerous passers. In contrast, Jackson’s passing ability has always been scrutinized, but he’s made tremendous strides in his accuracy and decision-making. However, he still doesn’t have the same deep-ball precision as Allen, and his overall passing numbers aren’t as impressive.

That said, Jackson is far more elusive as a runner, and his ability to create opportunities with his legs makes him incredibly dangerous. Allen is also a threat on the ground, but his rushing style is more physical and designed to take advantage of his size and strength, rather than relying on speed or elusiveness like Jackson.

Playoff Success: Momentum Heading into the Postseason

Both quarterbacks have had successful playoff runs, but their performances in the postseason have been a mixed bag.

Josh Allen’s Playoff History: Allen has led the Bills to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, with a particularly strong performance in 2020 when Buffalo reached the AFC Championship game. Allen has shown an ability to perform under pressure, with his ability to throw the ball in high-stakes situations and keep the offense moving.
Lamar Jackson’s Playoff History: Jackson’s playoff success has been a point of contention for some. Despite his regular-season dominance, Jackson has struggled to win games in the postseason, with early exits in multiple seasons. That said, Jackson’s first playoff win came in the 2020 season against the Tennessee Titans, and he will be eager to prove himself in January once again.

As both quarterbacks are set to lead their teams into the 2025 playoffs, it’s clear that their ability to deliver in high-pressure games will be crucial to determining their success.

MVP Race: Allen vs. Jackson

The MVP race is always highly debated, and 2024 has been no exception. Both Allen and Jackson are considered MVP candidates, but when compared to each other, their cases come down to different factors.

Josh Allen as MVP: Allen’s stat line, with over 4,300 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, is impressive, and his ability to be a dual-threat quarterback places him in elite company. However, the Bills’ inconsistent defense and turnover issues have occasionally hindered their overall performance, which could work against Allen in the MVP race.
Lamar Jackson as MVP: Jackson’s stats (31 touchdowns and over 1,000 rushing yards) place him in a strong position, especially given his ability to keep the Ravens competitive with his playmaking ability. Jackson’s high football IQ and leadership on a team that has overachieved in 2024 make him an MVP contender. His ability to carry the Ravens both through the air and on the ground, particularly during a season where many expected him to take a step back, is noteworthy.