Sep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) speaks with Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) after the game during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

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Josh Allen snatches playoff rushing crown from Lamar Jackson—But can he hold it?

Josh Allen takes playoff rushing crown, but Lamar isn’t done yet.

Josh Allen now holds the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL playoff history. With 42 yards in the wild-card game against the Denver Broncos, Allen pushed past Lamar Jackson’s 602-yard milestone. But hold up—Jackson’s not done. The Ravens are still in the playoffs, and Jackson added 81 rushing yards during the Ravens’ wild-card win. It’s looking more like a game of hot potato than a record meant to last.

This is more than numbers. It’s two quarterbacks showing why they’re the NFL’s most explosive dual threats. Records aside, Jackson’s consistency as the all-time rushing leader across both regular and postseason games keeps him in a league of his own.

Lamar Jackson isn’t going down without a fight, and the Ravens could back him up

It’s not just Jackson versus Allen. The Ravens are moving forward, and Jackson has more opportunities to pad his stats. With 35-10 earlier-season dominance over the Bills still fresh in their minds, Baltimore’s edge could spell trouble for Allen. Sure, he’s got the record—for now—but if history repeats itself, the Ravens might just crush more than Buffalo’s playoff dreams.

Josh Allen took Lamar’s record of 602 YDS from last night’s game 😅

These two are going to be going back and forth on this record 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BcMmUS9Abq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2025

Jackson’s next shot at taking back the rushing crown comes when the Ravens visit the Bills for the divisional round. He’s not just chasing Allen; he’s playing for legacy points in a season that could make or break his MVP argument.

Patrick Mahomes lurks behind with numbers that matter

Let’s not forget the wildcard here. Patrick Mahomes, sitting quietly at 527 postseason rushing yards, has a path to leap up the leaderboard. Mahomes plays like he’s allergic to mediocrity, and if the Chiefs’ offense clicks, he could make this a three-way fight. The MVP chatter between Allen and Jackson might overshadow Mahomes’ silent climb, but anyone ruling him out hasn’t been watching.

The Chiefs received a first-round bye, so Mahomes will hit the field fresher. Don’t sleep on him making moves. He’s not the flashy story right now, but he knows how to steal the spotlight when it counts.

Josh Allen surpasses Jim Kelly

In breaking Jim Kelly’s franchise record for playoff touchdowns, Josh Allen made a strong case for being the best quarterback in Buffalo Bills history. He reached 23 playoff touchdown passes in just 11 games, compared to Kelly’s 21 across 17 games. That’s dominance in efficiency. Allen’s 24-yard touchdown to Ty Johnson in the wild-card game wasn’t just a record-breaker; it was a flex.

Still, celebrating feels risky with Lamar Jackson waiting to spoil the party. And let’s be real, for a team like Buffalo—one still aching for its first Super Bowl win—personal accolades aren’t enough. This team needs to close. Otherwise, it’s just another season of what-ifs for Bills Mafia.

Allen and Jackson’s MVP race is tied to playoff success

This isn’t just about stats or rushing records. Allen and Jackson are neck-and-neck in the MVP conversation. A deep playoff run by either quarterback could seal the deal. For Jackson, it’s a chance to grab his third MVP and shut down doubters. For Allen, it’s a chance to grab his first.

Lamar Jackson Vs Josh Allen in the divisional round for the REAL MVP pic.twitter.com/5SMfFKi5iF
— TRUZZZ ✞ (@brandonleuschel) January 12, 2025

But let’s not pretend this is purely about individual glory. The Bills and Ravens face off next week, and whoever walks away with the win likely takes the narrative, the spotlight, and maybe even the hardware. MVPs don’t just win games—they define seasons. And this season is still very much in play.

Can the Bills hold their ground against a surging Ravens team?

The Ravens crushed Buffalo earlier this season, and while Allen’s growth has been undeniable, there’s no denying Baltimore’s momentum. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in sync? That’s a scary thought for any defense, let alone one that struggled against them before.

Buffalo’s success hinges on more than Allen. The team needs every piece clicking—James Cook in the backfield, the defense stepping up, and fewer turnovers. Anything less than perfection could send the Bills packing and give Jackson yet another opportunity to remind everyone why he’s Lamar Freaking Jackson.

Image: Imagn images

Josh Allen

Lamar Jackson

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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