When it comes to the next generation of NFL quarterbacks, few names spark as much debate and excitement as Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Both players have reshaped the quarterback position with their unique styles—Allen with his cannon arm and physicality, and Jackson with his electrifying mobility and playmaking ability. They represent the future of the league, each with the potential to define their respective franchises for the next decade. Yet, as much as both players downplay it, there’s an undeniable truth: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are in each other’s way.
### The Rise of the Dual-Threat Quarterbacks
In the past, NFL quarterbacks were predominantly pocket passers—guys who could read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball accurately in the pocket. While the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees revolutionized the art of the passing game, the evolution of quarterbacks has seen a massive shift. Mobile quarterbacks, capable of running and throwing with equal effectiveness, are now leading the charge. Jackson and Allen are two of the most prominent figures in this new wave.
Lamar Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, shocked the world with his combination of speed, elusiveness, and ability to make big plays with his legs. But Jackson’s arm strength and accuracy have also steadily improved, challenging critics who once doubted his passing ability. His 2020 playoff victory over the Tennessee Titans and his ability to carry the Ravens on his back in several seasons show how far he’s come, both as a leader and as a quarterback.
On the other hand, Josh Allen has arguably become one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in NFL history. With a cannon arm and unparalleled athleticism for a player of his size (6’5″, 237 pounds), Allen has turned the Bills into perennial Super Bowl contenders. His ability to make jaw-dropping throws while also being a legitimate rushing threat makes him a nightmare for defenses. Under the guidance of head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Allen has refined his game and become a true franchise quarterback.
Despite their differing playing styles, the fact remains that both quarterbacks are at the forefront of the NFL’s evolution. Their respective teams—the Bills and the Ravens—are locked in a battle for dominance, with Allen and Jackson as the focal points. But while both quarterbacks have reached the pinnacle of individual success, their paths to sustained dominance are increasingly tied together.
### The Rising Tension: The AFC’s Two Titans
One of the major narratives in the AFC over the past few seasons has been the growth of the Bills and Ravens as elite teams. Both franchises are built around their young quarterbacks, and while there’s a growing sense of camaraderie between Allen and Jackson, the reality is that they are on a collision course for continued supremacy in the AFC.
For the Bills, Allen’s emergence as one of the league’s top quarterbacks has made them serious contenders. Since taking over the starting job in 2018, Allen has grown exponentially in terms of both his decision-making and his leadership. The 2020 season was particularly memorable as Allen led the Bills to the AFC Championship Game, with an MVP-caliber season that saw him throw for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns. Buffalo’s offense became one of the most potent in the league, and the team looked like a Super Bowl favorite.
The Ravens, on the other hand, have not had the same level of playoff success in recent years, but Lamar Jackson’s presence makes them an annual contender. His ability to change a game with his legs keeps opposing defenses on edge, and while there are still questions about his ability to win games consistently in the playoffs, Jackson has already proven he can carry a team to success. His 2019 MVP season, in which he threw for over 3,100 yards and rushed for 1,200, changed the way the NFL looked at quarterbacks.
But here’s the issue: despite their individual brilliance, Allen and Jackson’s success is inherently linked. The AFC playoff picture has become a battleground for these two players and their teams. Every year, whether it’s in the regular season or the postseason, it feels like only one can truly rise to the top in the AFC. Sure, there are other quarterbacks in the mix, like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, but Allen and Jackson seem to be the two quarterbacks most likely to be standing in each other’s way year after year.
### The Playoff Push: One Will Always Be Left Disappointed
The narrative surrounding Allen and Jackson in the postseason is undeniable. Both quarterbacks are built to lead their teams deep into the playoffs, but the problem is that there can only be one winner. Every time the two teams meet, there’s an unspoken sense of competition that goes beyond just football. It’s about who can elevate their team to the ultimate goal—the Super Bowl.
In recent seasons, Allen’s Bills have had more success in the playoffs, advancing further than Jackson’s Ravens. However, Lamar Jackson has had his own share of playoff heroics, including a dramatic 2020 Wild Card win over the Tennessee Titans. But despite the success, the Ravens have often found themselves falling short in crucial moments, whether it’s the Chiefs or another AFC powerhouse standing in their way.
Jackson has been criticized at times for his inability to get over the hump in the postseason, but there’s no denying that he’s still one of the most electrifying players in the league. Meanwhile, Allen, though further along in terms of playoff success, has also seen his own share of disappointments. He was on the verge of reaching the Super Bowl in 2021, only to fall short to Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling AFC Championship Game. Both quarterbacks know that to truly reach their full potential, they will need to clear each other’s path at some point.
The looming question is, can both players coexist as top quarterbacks in the AFC, or will they consistently be in each other’s way? As their careers unfold, the AFC playoff picture could very well become a two-horse race for years to come. And if one player is to reach the Super Bowl, it might require consistently outdueling the other in crucial games.
### The Mental and Physical Toll of Being “In Each Other’s Way”
When two players with such distinct skill sets are at the top of their game, there’s an undeniable psychological element at play. Despite their public camaraderie and mutual respect, both Allen and Jackson are fully aware of the stakes. Every playoff meeting, every regular-season showdown, will be scrutinized to determine who’s the better quarterback in the AFC. And while it might not always be a head-to-head battle (since the teams don’t play each other every season), the comparison will always linger. Fans, pundits, and players alike will draw parallels between their success or failures.
It’s also worth noting that the physical toll of playing at such an elite level is immense. Both quarterbacks rely on their bodies in unique ways—Allen with his size and power, and Jackson with his elusive speed. But both face risks that come with their playing style. Injuries, especially to their legs, could derail their careers in an instant, leaving each player and their team wondering what could have been.
### Conclusion: The Unspoken Rivalry
Whether Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson want to admit it or not, their careers are intertwined in the broader narrative of the AFC. Both have the potential to redefine the quarterback position, but in doing so, they also find themselves in each other’s way. Each player’s success is inextricably linked to the other’s performance, and as the two teams continue to battle for supremacy in the AFC, it’s clear that their rivalry will only grow stronger.
In the end, it’s not just about what they do on the field—it’s about who can outlast the other, break through the postseason hurdles, and claim that elusive Super Bowl ring. Until that happens, Allen and Jackson will remain locked in a rivalry that could shape the NFL’s future for years to come.
