Over the course of this season, we have seen one of the closest MVP races in recent memory between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Both incredible quarterbacks are able to consistently make plays that only a handful of other quarterbacks in the league can even attempt. On top of that, both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have been playing the best football of their careers all season. These two teams also match up very well with each other—both have dual-threat quarterbacks, an explosive run game, and talented wide receivers who are always ready to make plays. For all of these reasons, I am equally nervous and excited to watch these two titans battle it out for an AFC Championship spot, where I know both quarterbacks will leave everything on the field in an attempt to push their team to victory.
Beyond the quarterbacks, the key matchup to watch this Sunday will be the run game for both teams. Last week, the Ravens had a huge day, rushing for an impressive 299 yards against the Steelers. In games this year where Derrick Henry has 90+ rushing yards the Ravens are 11-0. The game against the Bills should be no different, establish the run, and everything will be easier. Meanwhile, the Bills quietly had a strong rushing performance against the Denver Broncos. James Cook ran for 120 yards against a Broncos defense that had one of the top rushing units in the league this season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. While James Cook may not be as explosive as Derrick Henry, the Bills’ offensive line makes him look like he is. The Bills’ offensive line has been dominant all season, allowing only 14 sacks — the fewest in the league. The Ravens, who also have one of the league’s top rushing defenses, will need to find a way to break through that offensive line if they want to slow the Bills down. The matchup becomes even more intriguing considering that the game will be played in freezing cold temperatures (around 12°F), and with the possibility of snow. Whether or not it snows, we’re in for a battle in the trenches—and if it does snow, we might see one of the most run-heavy games of the year.
But, of course, the biggest storyline remains Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. As I mentioned earlier, both quarterbacks have been playing at the top of their games all season and I’d be shocked if either brought anything less than their best to this matchup. For Lamar Jackson, especially, this is the game he’s been waiting for. It’s a chance to shift the narrative around his playoff success, and he’ll need to be at his absolute best to win. It’s bittersweet that one of these great teams will have their season end in just a couple of days. But that’s what playoff football is all about—and I couldn’t be more excited for it.
