Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson: Two quarterbacks’ NFL legacies are at stake in the playoff matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens

As the Buffalo Bills face the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 NFL Divisional Playoffs, one thing is clear: the outcome of this game will have significant implications for the careers and legacies of two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Both players have already made their marks on the NFL with remarkable performances, thrilling games, and record-breaking seasons. However, despite their impressive individual achievements, neither Allen nor Jackson has yet to secure the one thing that would solidify their legacies: a Super Bowl title.

As they prepare for this high-stakes playoff showdown, the performance of each quarterback will be scrutinized, as their respective teams look to advance to the AFC Championship and ultimately, the Super Bowl. But beyond the immediate win-or-go-home stakes, this matchup represents an opportunity for both quarterbacks to take another step toward establishing themselves as all-time greats. For Allen, it’s about proving he can deliver when the stakes are highest. For Jackson, it’s about cementing his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.

This article explores how this playoff matchup between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson could shape their NFL legacies and what each player must do to take the next step in their careers.

Josh Allen: The Strong Armed, Dual-Threat Playmaker

The Rise of Josh Allen

When Josh Allen entered the NFL in 2018 as the 7th overall pick in the draft, he was widely considered a project. He was raw, unrefined, and often inaccurate with his throws. The Buffalo Bills, however, recognized Allen’s immense potential, particularly his physical traits. He possessed a rare combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism that made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. In just a few years, Allen transformed from a raw rookie into one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, thanks in large part to his work ethic, improved accuracy, and the development of a strong supporting cast.

By 2020, Allen emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. His ability to make any throw on the field, coupled with his ability to run when necessary, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Allen has led the Bills to multiple playoff appearances, but despite individual success and a record-breaking 2020 season in which he threw for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns, Allen has yet to reach a Super Bowl.

What’s at Stake for Josh Allen

For Josh Allen, the playoff matchup against Lamar Jackson represents an opportunity to break through to the next level. Although Allen’s physical tools have never been in question, there is one glaring absence from his resume: a Super Bowl appearance. Despite his incredible arm strength, elite mobility, and leadership, Allen has yet to lead the Bills to a championship game, and that remains a major missing piece in his otherwise stellar career.

Allen has also been criticized for some inconsistency in high-pressure situations. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also been prone to turnovers and mistakes at critical moments, particularly in the postseason. This game against Jackson and the Ravens presents the perfect opportunity for Allen to silence critics and demonstrate that he can lead his team to the biggest stage of all.

With a Super Bowl appearance and potential victory, Allen would secure his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks. Winning the big game would elevate him into a different stratosphere, ensuring that his legacy is tied not only to his athletic ability but also to his ability to perform under pressure and win when it matters most. At just 28 years old, Allen still has plenty of time to add more titles to his career, but this playoff run could mark the turning point in his career.

Lamar Jackson: The MVP Who’s Yet to Reach the Super Bowl

The Rise of Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson’s path to NFL stardom was similarly unconventional. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson was an electrifying prospect with a skill set that defied conventional quarterback expectations. Known for his incredible speed, agility, and playmaking ability with the ball in his hands, Jackson was a revelation in the NFL as he led the Ravens to the 2019 AFC North title and was awarded the NFL MVP that same season. His ability to make plays both as a passer and a runner revolutionized the quarterback position and forced NFL defenses to adjust to his unique skill set.

Since his MVP season, Jackson has continued to be a dynamic presence for the Ravens. He is widely considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, regularly posting impressive rushing numbers to complement his passing ability. Jackson’s ability to break off long runs and turn broken plays into huge gains is unparalleled, and he remains one of the most exciting players to watch in the league. However, despite his success and individual accolades, Jackson has yet to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl.

What’s at Stake for Lamar Jackson

For Lamar Jackson, the divisional playoff game against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills holds even greater significance. As much as Jackson has been praised for his ability to make plays, his career has been marred by the fact that he has not yet achieved the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl. In his career, Jackson has led the Ravens to several playoff appearances, but the team has struggled to get past the AFC Divisional Round and reach the pinnacle of the NFL.

Jackson’s performance in the playoffs has been scrutinized, as some critics have pointed to his inability to lead his team to a deep postseason run. Though Jackson’s talent has never been questioned, the absence of a Super Bowl appearance or victory is a glaring gap in his legacy. A win in this divisional playoff matchup would not only put Jackson one step closer to a Super Bowl but also provide a platform to prove that he can win the big games.

Jackson has shown resilience and determination in his career, and now, in his prime, he has a golden opportunity to take the next step. The way Jackson handles the pressure of this game will have a direct impact on how his legacy is perceived. A Super Bowl win would solidify Jackson’s status as one of the most dangerous and unique quarterbacks in NFL history. However, anything less could lead to continued questions about his ability to perform in the postseason.

Comparing the Two Quarterbacks: Strengths and Weaknesses

While both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are dynamic quarterbacks with unique strengths, they also have areas where they differ.

Josh Allen: Strong Arm, Deep Threat, But Prone to Mistakes

Allen is known for his elite arm strength and ability to throw the ball deep downfield with precision. He has the ability to take over games with his arm, especially in high-scoring shootouts. His deep ball to receivers like Stefon Diggs is one of the best in the NFL, and he’s capable of changing the course of a game with a single pass. Additionally, his mobility allows him to evade pressure and extend plays, although he is not as elusive as Jackson.

However, Allen can be prone to inconsistency in key moments. His aggressive style sometimes leads to unforced errors, including interceptions, especially when he forces throws into tight coverage. His decision-making will be crucial against a defense like the Ravens, who are known for their ability to create turnovers and capitalize on mistakes.

Lamar Jackson: Incredible Athleticism and Playmaking Ability, But Needs to Refine Passing

Jackson’s biggest strength lies in his athleticism and playmaking ability with the ball in his hands. His speed and elusiveness allow him to make plays that few quarterbacks can replicate, and he’s especially dangerous on the ground, capable of turning a broken play into a big gain. Jackson’s ability to run the ball and extend plays with his legs keeps defenses on edge, and his improvisational skills are one of his defining traits.

However, Jackson’s passing, while improved, still lags behind Allen in terms of accuracy and consistency. He can struggle with throwing the ball in tight windows and can be inconsistent on deep passes. In this playoff game, Jackson’s ability to find success in the air will be tested. If he can strike a balance between using his legs and being effective through the air, it will go a long way toward silencing his critics and securing a victory.

The Legacy Implications: Who Has More to Gain?

Josh Allen’s Legacy

A Super Bowl appearance and potential win would solidify Allen’s legacy as one of the most gifted quarterbacks of his generation. Allen’s ability to carry the Bills back to the top, despite the team’s long history of playoff heartbreak, would be a major accomplishment. His legacy would be tied not only to his physical tools but also to his ability to lead a franchise to its first Super Bowl in decades.

Lamar Jackson’s Legacy

For Lamar Jackson, winning a Super Bowl would be transformative for his career. Despite his MVP season and his groundbreaking impact on the quarterback position, Jackson has faced criticism for not being able to lead the Ravens deep into the postseason. A Super Bowl appearance and victory would silence those doubts and cement his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.