Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, finds himself under intense scrutiny once again, largely due to his repeated losses to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
As the 2024 NFL season draws near, the pressure on Jackson is mounting, with critics increasingly pointing to his struggles in key games, particularly against Mahomes, and his underwhelming playoff record.
Mahomes has consistently outshined Jackson over the years, and the ongoing streak of losses has raised questions about Jackson’s ability to deliver when it matters most. With the NFL season approaching, many are betting on Mahomes to continue his dominance over Jackson, casting doubt on whether the Ravens’ quarterback can finally turn the tide.
Uneven Rivalry: Mahomes Dominates Jackson
What was once hyped as a fierce rivalry between two of the brightest stars in the NFL has become a lopsided affair, with Mahomes repeatedly getting the better of Jackson?
One of Mahomes’ most decisive wins came in 2020 when the Chiefs defeated the Ravens 34-20. That game added fuel to the criticism of Jackson, as many questioned whether he could truly compete against the league’s elite quarterbacks.
NFL analyst Chris Simms remarked, “Mahomes finds a way to win the big ones, while Jackson still seems to falter. It’s a glaring difference when we compare the two.”
For Jackson, these losses to Mahomes are particularly glaring because no other team has defeated him more than twice, making his four defeats to the Chiefs stand out even more.
Teammates Rally Around Jackson
Despite the criticisms and mounting pressure, Jackson still has the full support of his teammates.
Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith recently voiced his faith in the team’s quarterback, saying, “I’m sure any time you lose against anyone, there’s going to be extra motivation. I have all my faith in Lamar. He’s the leader of this team, and he’s going to lead us exactly where we want to go at the end of the day. All we can do is continue to support him.”
Jackson’s ability to bounce back from adversity has been a hallmark of his career, but the question remains: can he finally silence the doubters and deliver when it counts the most?
The Playoff Struggles
While Jackson’s regular-season performances have often been stellar—culminating in his 2019 MVP season—his playoff record is a significant blemish on an otherwise impressive resume.
Out of five playoff appearances, Jackson has managed just one win. This poor postseason performance has been a recurring topic of conversation, and it’s a factor that continues to dog his legacy.
Despite leading Baltimore to the playoffs multiple times, Jackson has struggled to step up in the biggest moments.
NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe pointed out, “You can’t be considered elite if you can’t win in the postseason.”
Jackson’s critics argue that while he excels during the regular season, his inability to perform under playoff pressure keeps him from joining the ranks of truly elite quarterbacks.
Mahomes Favored in Betting Markets
Mahomes’ sustained success has not only earned him accolades on the field but also made him a favorite in betting markets. Kansas City remains a heavy favorite in winning the AFC, and Mahomes is widely favored in any potential playoff matchups against the Ravens.
Jackson, meanwhile, will need to break his streak of playoff setbacks to change the narrative.
Until Jackson can prove himself in the postseason, Mahomes will continue to be favored both on the field and in the betting market. The upcoming 2024 NFL season could be pivotal for Jackson, as he looks to change the course of his career and show that he’s more than just a regular-season star.