As the Baltimore Ravens gear up to meet the Buffalo Bills in what promises to be a riveting Sunday night playoff showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this highly anticipated clash will secure a coveted spot in the AFC Championship, where the Kansas City Chiefs eagerly await their challenger.
Stakes and Star Quarterbacks
Both the Ravens and the Bills are on the hunt for their first Super Bowl appearance, powered by their current star quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. These two phenomenal athletes have reshaped the expectations for modern quarterbacks with their dual-threat capabilities.
Lamar Jackson, who took home the unanimous NFL MVP award in 2019, has solidified his claim as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Notably, this season he was voted AP first-team All-Pro over Allen, affirming his prowess and influence on the field. It’s a rare occasion to see the MVP and first-team All-Pro quarterback honors split, harking back to 1987 with legends Joe Montana and John Elway.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, is not to be underestimated. With three top-five MVP voting finishes in the past four seasons, Allen exemplifies consistency and excellence. This year, he topped ESPN's QBR standings, just ahead of Jackson, highlighting the fine margins between these two standout performers.
Performance and Stats
Diving into the numbers, both quarterbacks have exhibited exceptional skill this season. Each tallied over 40 total touchdowns, rushed for more than 500 yards, and maintained discipline with fewer than seven interceptions. Jackson was second in EPA per play, closely trailed by Allen at third, showcasing their effectiveness and efficiency on the field.
Notably, the Bills allowed an NFL-low 14 sacks this season, reflecting a robust offensive line protecting their star quarterback. Meanwhile, the Ravens ranked third in ESPN's pass block win rate, demonstrating their own formidable line-up protecting Jackson.
Road to the Playoffs
The path to this playoff meeting has been distinct for each team. The Bills made history, defeating two 15-win teams in a single season, but they faced the third easiest schedule overall. In contrast, the Ravens contended with the 10th-hardest schedule, achieving a notable 7-3 record against playoff-caliber teams and amassing a +112 point differential against such competition.
A Week 4 regular-season encounter saw the Ravens decisively defeat the Bills with a 35-10 scoreline, providing them with a psychological edge. However, it’s crucial not to overlook Josh Allen’s progress; he improved his turnovers significantly, reducing them from 22 in 2023 to just 8 by 2024.
Despite Allen’s stellar performance, his record against playoff teams remained less convincing at 2-3 this season. This contrast presents an intriguing dynamic as both teams prepare to demonstrate their growth and adaptability in the high-pressure playoff atmosphere.
As the Ravens and Bills prepare to clash, fans can expect a battle of titans, each armed with unique strengths and fueled by their aspirations of advancing to the ultimate stage of the NFL. This playoff game is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the sport, where young quarterbacks not only meet expectations but redefine them, setting new benchmarks in their quest for supremacy.