Lamar Jackson delivered a standout performance for the Baltimore Ravens, leading the team to a much-needed victory as they improved their record to 3-5. In his first game back since Week 3, Jackson completed 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 204 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a passer rating of 143.2 and a perfect QBR of 152.99. This impressive display underscores his pivotal role in the team’s aspirations for the Super Bowl.
The Ravens entered the game against the Chicago Bears seeking a spark, and Jackson provided just that. Although Tyler Huntley had managed to secure a win in the previous week, the return of Jackson has significantly elevated the team’s chances of postseason success. Following this victory, Baltimore climbed to second place in the AFC North, just behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, who currently hold a record of 4-3 after two consecutive losses.
Jackson’s performance earned him the Amazon Prime Player of the Game award. After the match, he joined the Amazon crew at the pitchside booth, where he addressed the enthusiastic crowd. Amid chants of “MVP,” Jackson urged fans to continue supporting the team, stating, “Just keep coming out and support us. It’s a long season ahead of us.”
Jackson’s Record-Breaking Season
The All-Pro quarterback has made a compelling case for another MVP title this season. According to OptaStats, Jackson has achieved a passer rating of 136.7 over five games, the highest for any quarterback in NFL history during their first five games of a season (minimum 100 attempts). Last year, he narrowly missed out on the NFL MVP award to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. While Allen remains a favorite for the accolade this year, Jackson’s current statistics position him squarely in the race.
In Thursday night’s game, Jackson’s four touchdown passes pushed him ahead of Allen in total touchdowns this season. Jackson has thrown 14 touchdown passes in just five games, while Allen has managed 12 in seven games. This performance places Jackson ahead of several notable quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield, C.J. Stroud, and Joe Flacco, among others, in terms of passing touchdowns.
Future Outlook for the Ravens
The win significantly enhanced Jackson’s MVP chances. Prior to the game against the Dolphins, his odds were at +10000, which improved to +5000 following the win. Currently, Jackson has completed 86 passes out of 118 attempts (72.9%) for a total of 1,073 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only one interception.
As the Ravens enter a mini bye week, they will not play again until November 9. The upcoming schedule presents challenges, with games against the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers (twice), New England Patriots, and Green Bay Packers before the end of the season. If Jackson continues to perform at this level, the prospect of a playoff run becomes increasingly likely for Baltimore.
