NFL Divisional Round: Ravens clash with Bills, Lions and Chiefs return to action

Two of the most thrilling quarterbacks in the NFL, both vying for the league's Most Valuable Player award, will face off in the NFL playoffs on Sunday as the Buffalo Bills take on the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, a potential recipient of his third MVP award, will compete against Buffalo's Josh Allen in this divisional round matchup, with a spot in the AFC Championship game on the line.

Both athletes exemplify the contemporary trend favoring quarterbacks who possess not only exceptional throwing accuracy but also the ability to pose a significant threat as runners.

Allen shares the record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season, achieving 15 touchdowns in 2023, a record he holds jointly with Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jackson, on the other hand, holds the record for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history, totaling 6,173 yards.

"This is a clash of two titans," remarked Buffalo defensive end Von Miller.

"This is what makes the NFL the premier league in the world, as it offers matchups like this, featuring quarterbacks of this caliber competing against one another."

The two quarterbacks previously met in Week 4, where the Ravens secured a 35-10 victory. However, Allen believes his team has progressed since that defeat.

"We learned a lot from those experiences," Allen stated. "Reviewing that game, it was clear we did not perform at our best. However, they are a strong team as well, and they are competing this week for a reason."

Baltimore began the regular season with two losses but has since suffered only three defeats, concluding the regular season with four consecutive victories, including a decisive 28-14 win over the Steelers in last week's wildcard round.

"Becoming the mold"
"Their defense has been outstanding over the last ten weeks," Allen noted. "Their offense is impressive too, featuring many talented players, led by Lamar. They are a challenging team to face, without a doubt."

Both quarterbacks made their entrance into the league through the 2018 draft, and Jackson holds a deep respect for Allen's capacity to adjust during games.

"His ability to create opportunities when plays falter is remarkable. He possesses a powerful arm and can execute any throw on the field," Jackson remarked regarding Allen's key strengths.

For neutral observers, the playing styles of both athletes promise an exhilarating display, and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh asserts that they exemplify the 'new normal' of agile, mobile quarterbacks—once a rarity among NFL coaches.

"It appears that most quarterbacks today share similar traits," Harbaugh noted.

"They seem to be ubiquitous now. It feels like this is becoming the standard. Previously, it was about breaking the mold, but now it seems to be the mold itself," he continued.

Allen and the Bills have faced elimination at this stage in the playoffs for the last three years, although they did defeat the Ravens in the 2020 divisional round.

Baltimore advanced to the AFC Championship game in 2023, where they were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs, aiming for their third consecutive Super Bowl victory, will host the Houston Texans on Saturday.

Following a somewhat subdued season, while still dominating the AFC, the Chiefs began to regain their form in the latter part of the regular season.

The Texans recently dismantled the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing their formidable defense and second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who led them to a 32-12 triumph.

"That defense is incredibly formidable; they have an excellent quarterback and a skilled coach," stated Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"They excel at pressuring the quarterback, possess a strong secondary, and their linebackers are very active. It will be a significant challenge for us, and we must perform at our highest level," he added.

In the NFC, the top-seeded Detroit Lions will host another impressive rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, along with the season's unexpected standout, the Washington Commanders.

The other NFC matchup features the Philadelphia Eagles, with running back sensation Saquon Barkley in peak form, facing off against the Los Angeles Rams.