As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in a highly anticipated AFC Divisional Round matchup, FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd believes the stakes are higher for Lamar Jackson than for any other player on the field. On The Herd, Cowherd pointed to Jackson’s playoff history and the weight of expectations as reasons why this game is critical for the Ravens’ star quarterback.
Cowherd argued that while Josh Allen also has much to prove, Jackson’s performance will carry more significance in shaping his legacy.
“I think the game means more to Lamar Jackson,” Cowherd said. “If he delivers a clunker, it’s going to start to define him. How he plays matters.”
Despite being a two-time MVP—and a likely frontrunner for a third this season—Jackson’s playoff resume has been a point of contention. With a career postseason passer rating of 81.2 and just three wins in seven seasons, his performances in the playoffs have been inconsistent.
Jackson is coming off one of his best regular seasons yet, leading the Ravens to a 12-5 record while producing MVP-caliber numbers:
However, the narrative surrounding Jackson’s postseason play has been more critical. A poor performance against the Bills could intensify that criticism, while a strong showing would go a long way in solidifying his standing as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Jackson has shown he can perform at an elite level against Buffalo. In the Ravens’ 35-10 victory over the Bills in Week 4, Jackson was nearly flawless:
If Baltimore hopes to replicate that success, Jackson will need to be just as sharp. The Ravens’ offense must complement their strong rushing attack with effective passing to keep pace with Buffalo’s explosive offense.
Cowherd isn’t the only one who sees the pressure on Jackson in this matchup. The Ravens are facing a Buffalo team that has been dominant at home, and Josh Allen’s dual-threat capabilities make the Bills a formidable opponent. Holding down Allen and the Bills offense will be challenging, meaning Jackson’s ability to lead the Ravens’ offense will be pivotal.
A loss, particularly one where Jackson struggles, could reinforce the narrative that he underperforms in big games. A win, on the other hand, would not only advance Baltimore to the AFC Championship but also add a signature playoff moment to Jackson’s career.
Lamar Jackson has proven doubters wrong time and time again, and Sunday’s game presents another opportunity to do so. With his legacy and the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes on the line, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can rise to the occasion.
What do you think, Ravens fans? Does the pressure really rest on Lamar Jackson, or is this game about the team as a whole? Let us know in the comments!