- Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP, and won the award last season.
- Jackson is on a tear this season, and is the favorite at some online sportsbooks to win the award for a third time.
- Jackson set an NFL record, putting up a fourth passer-rating game as he led the Ravens to a 41-10 rout of Denver.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is absolutely on fire this season. The two-time and defending NFL MVP has the Ravens at 6-3, and he has been playing like an MVP so far.
Jackson put another notch in his belt on Sunday as he had a perfect passer rating in a game for the fourth time, setting an NFL record. The Ravens pounded Denver 41-10 at home.
Jackson Clears Brady, Manning, Roethlisberger, and Warner for Record
First, you should know about the parameters needed to have a perfect passer-rating game. Passer rating was first recorded in 1971.
To qualify, during a single game a player must attempt at least 10 passes, have no interceptions, have a minimum completion percentage of 77.5%, have a minimum of 11.875% of their passes score touchdowns, and have a minimum of 12.5 yards on average per attempt.
Jackson was 16-of-19 for 280 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions, to post a passer rating of 158.3 against the Broncos. It is his fourth game with a perfect passer rating. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Kurt Warner all have three perfect passer-rating games.
It was even more impressive that Jackson did it in a week when he barely practiced as the Ravens let him rest nagging back and knee injuries. He also did it against a vaunted Denver defense that has been fantastic this season, but Jackson led the Ravens on seven straight scoring drives to put the game away.
Jackson’s favorite target was receiver Zay Flowers, who caught five passes for 127 yards and a pair of scores. The Ravens now lead the NFL with 445.9 offensive yards per game, which is 33.5 more yards than second-placed San Francisco. Baltimore is also second to Detroit (32.3) with 31.4 points per game.
Can Jackson Win His Third NFL MVP?
At most NFL betting sites, you’ll find either Jackson or Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen at the top of the odds for NFL MVP. Allen is also having a great season for the 6–2 Bills, who eked out a 30-27 win over Miami. Jackson (2,379 yards) has more passing yards than Allen (2,001), more passing touchdowns (20 for Jackson to 17 for Allen), and both have two interceptions on the season. Jackson also has the most rushing yards for a quarterback this season with 505, while Allen has 211.
Jackson is back in action in Thursday Night Football as he leads the Ravens into a home game with their AFC North rivals from Cincinnati. The Bengals also like to put up plenty of points, and Baltimore’s defense can be shaky. That means Jackson will have numerous opportunities to score, while Allen will be in Indianapolis to face the Colts, who also have a suspect defense.
As we head into the second half of the season, the race for NFL MVP might be the best of the award races. Jackson threw down his gauntlet against the Broncos, let’s see if Allen can respond against the Colts.
