Lamar Jackson already has two NFL MVP awards.
As the Baltimore Ravens prepared for a prime time Thursday Night Football matchup against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson was the betting favorite to win his third MVP honor.
Lamar Jackson entered TNF putting up career-best numbers[/caption]
If Baltimore’s dual-threat quarterback stays on course in 2024, he could guide the Ravens to the Super Bowl — and make NFL history.
Jackson’s 2-4 playoff record is his only on-field blemish right now.
A third MVP award would elevate Action Jackson into a new echelon.
Only six players have won three MVP awards, including five QBs.
Peyton Manning tops all players with five MVPs.
Aaron Rodgers is next with four.
Then there’s Tom Brady, Johnny Unitas, Brett Favre and Jim Brown with three.
If Jackson captures his third MVP, he’ll surpass AFC rival Patrick Mahomes, who’s won two with the Chiefs.
Entering Thursday, Jackson topped the league with a 120.7 passer rating, which would be the highest of his career if maintained through the regular season.
In 2019, Jackson won his first MVP award and was named an All Pro with a career-best 113.3 rating.
Derrick Henry has been a perfect complement to Jackson in Baltimore[/caption]
Tom Brady won three NFL MVPs[/caption]
Peyton Manning, center, leads all NFL players with five MVPs[/caption]
Through nine games this season, the 27-year-old Jackson put up his best numbers as a pro.
He completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 2,379 yards, 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Combined with Derrick Henry‘s league-high 1,052 rushing yards, Jackson is giving Baltimore an MVP duo in the backfield.
“He’s (Jackson) a phenomenal football player, throws the ball really well. Hard to do what he does on a consistent basis,” Denver rookie QB Bo Nix said.
“He missed some practice this week and came out and looked very sharp. Props to him. He’s a phenomenal player.
“That’s why he gets all the accolades that he does. It’s special to be able to share a field with a guy like that.”
Jackson’s main goal in 2024 is to finally reach and win the Super Bowl, ending years of playoff frustration.
But a third MVP would place him in elite NFL company, ensuring that the former Louisville star is listed among the most talented players in football history.
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