Who’s No. 1 in Final QB Rankings, Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen? | Late for Work

As the NFL continues to evolve with ever-changing strategies and quarterbacks redefining the game, one question has persisted in the minds of football fans and analysts alike: Who is the best quarterback in the NFL today? Among the many names frequently discussed in this conversation, two quarterbacks stand head and shoulders above the rest – Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Both have been at the forefront of the NFL’s new wave of dual-threat quarterbacks, capable of dazzling with their arms and legs, and both have proven to be among the league’s top playmakers. However, when it comes to ranking the two in terms of overall skill and potential, the debate remains fiercely contested.

As we look at their respective performances, accomplishments, and what they bring to their teams, we must consider various factors that contribute to their overall impact on the NFL: physical abilities, team success, consistency, and how their styles of play affect their respective offenses. Ultimately, deciding who’s No. 1 between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen is no simple task. It involves more than just passing yards and touchdowns—it’s about their ability to transcend the game, elevate their teams, and ultimately lead them to victories in the playoffs and, ideally, championships.

Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Marvel

Lamar Jackson made a seismic impact on the NFL when he took over as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. The former Heisman Trophy winner from Louisville quickly adapted to the NFL’s demands, showcasing his exceptional ability as both a passer and a runner. Jackson has revolutionized the quarterback position, and his skill set as a dual-threat quarterback is unparalleled. He has been both a game-changer for the Ravens and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Strengths:

1. Mobility and Speed: Lamar Jackson’s ability to run the ball makes him a constant threat. He has the agility, vision, and top-end speed to evade defenders, turning broken plays into highlight-reel runs. Jackson’s elusiveness in the open field is second to none, and he’s often able to gain yardage when the pocket breaks down, something that traditional pocket passers can’t replicate. He even broke Michael Vick’s single-season rushing record for a quarterback in 2019, finishing with over 1,200 rushing yards.
2. Athleticism: Jackson is among the most gifted athletes to ever play the quarterback position. His footwork, burst, and agility make him a dangerous weapon in both the rushing and passing game. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field or avoid sacks while keeping his eyes downfield is exceptional.
3. Playmaking Ability: Lamar Jackson can turn any game into a highlight reel, with his ability to scramble, extend plays, and take off running if needed. He’s proven time and time again that he can win games with his legs, leading the Ravens to a number of dramatic comebacks and clutch performances.
4. MVP Season: Lamar Jackson’s MVP campaign in 2019 was historic. He led the NFL in touchdown passes, threw for over 3,100 yards, and rushed for 1,200 yards, all while piloting the Ravens to a 14-2 record. Jackson’s MVP season solidified his place among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

Weaknesses:

1. Inconsistency as a Passer: While Jackson has significantly improved his passing game over the years, he still struggles with accuracy at times. His completion percentage (career 64.1%) and his ability to make high-level throws from the pocket remain points of concern. Against tough defenses, Jackson has occasionally shown that he can struggle with precision, especially when forced to operate from a traditional pocket.
2. Playoff Struggles: One of the biggest criticisms of Lamar Jackson is his inability to win playoff games. Despite his regular-season success, Jackson has yet to make a deep playoff run or win a Super Bowl. His 1-3 playoff record (as of 2023) and struggles in big games have left a question mark hanging over his career. While he’s led the Ravens to the playoffs in multiple seasons, his performance in those high-stakes games has been subpar at times.

Josh Allen: The Complete Quarterback

Josh Allen’s meteoric rise with the Buffalo Bills has been one of the most compelling stories in the NFL over the last few years. Known for his rocket arm, athleticism, and physicality, Allen has developed into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Initially, there were questions about his accuracy and consistency coming out of Wyoming, but Allen has proven his doubters wrong and has emerged as a top-tier quarterback.

Strengths:

1. Arm Strength and Deep Ball: Josh Allen possesses one of the strongest arms in the league. His ability to throw deep with velocity and accuracy has made him a consistent big-play threat. He can throw 60-yard passes on a dime, which opens up the Buffalo offense and stretches defenses. This makes him a constant danger to any defense, especially when paired with wide receivers like Stefon Diggs.
2. Athleticism: Like Lamar Jackson, Allen’s athleticism allows him to make plays with his legs. He’s a big, physical quarterback with the strength to break tackles and extend plays with his legs. While he’s not as elusive as Jackson, Allen’s size and ability to take hits make him a bruising runner. His 763 rushing yards in 2020 showed that he can be a real threat in the ground game, often in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
3. Improved Accuracy and Decision-Making: Allen’s biggest knock early in his career was his inconsistency as a passer. However, since then, he’s improved his accuracy significantly. His completion percentage jumped from 58.8% in 2018 to 69.2% in 2021, showing remarkable growth. He’s become more effective at hitting tight windows and reading defenses, making him a more well-rounded quarterback.
4. Playoff Success: Unlike Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen has had notable playoff success. Allen has led the Bills to multiple playoff appearances and even to the AFC Championship game in 2020. His postseason performances have cemented him as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, particularly his thrilling performances in the 2021 playoffs, where he put up stellar numbers against the Kansas City Chiefs in one of the best postseason games in recent memory.

Weaknesses:

1. Turnovers: Despite his improvements, Allen is still prone to turnovers, especially interceptions. He has thrown a number of questionable passes over the years, sometimes forcing throws into coverage. He has to continue to focus on making smarter decisions and limiting mistakes in critical moments.
2. Inconsistent Play in Big Games: While Allen has been brilliant in the playoffs, he has shown some inconsistency in big regular-season games, particularly against top-tier teams. His performance against strong defenses can sometimes be erratic, especially when facing elite pass rushes.

Comparison: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen

When comparing Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, there’s a clear distinction in their playing styles and strengths. Both quarterbacks have the ability to make extraordinary plays, but their approaches to the game differ significantly.

1. Playing Style and Skillset:

• Lamar Jackson is undoubtedly the more dynamic and electrifying player when it comes to mobility. His running ability is unmatched by any quarterback in the league, and his ability to take over a game with his legs is a special talent. He’s an electric playmaker who can change the course of a game with a single run or throw.
• Josh Allen, on the other hand, has a more traditional quarterback style with a huge arm and the ability to make any throw. While Allen is a capable runner, his game is built more around his arm strength, accuracy, and the ability to move the ball through the air. His deep-ball accuracy and physical style of play set him apart as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the league.

2. Leadership and Team Impact:

• Jackson’s leadership has been lauded by teammates and coaches, and he’s been a key factor in the Ravens’ success. However, his inability to win in the playoffs has led to questions about his impact on the team’s ultimate goal: a Super Bowl victory.
• Allen, meanwhile, has excelled in playoff games, and his performances have taken the Bills to new heights. His leadership, especially in big moments, has made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the league.

3. Consistency:

• Lamar Jackson has been incredibly consistent in the regular season, leading the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and winning an MVP. However, his inconsistency as a passer, especially in the postseason, has raised questions about his overall development as a quarterback.
• Josh Allen has shown marked improvement in his consistency, and his ability to step up in critical moments, particularly in the playoffs, has been impressive. However, he still has moments where his decision-making and accuracy can falter.