Perfection Attained: Lamar Jackson Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Jackson was nearly untouchable on Sunday. He completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t throw a single interception and rarely looked pressured, even against a Denver defense that entered the game ranked among the league’s elite. By the final whistle, Jackson had earned a perfect 158.3 passer rating, making him only the third quarterback in NFL history to achieve that feat four times.

Chasing History in the Pocket

While Jackson’s rushing ability has always been his calling card, his growth as a pure pocket passer has redefined the Ravens’ ceiling. He averaged 14.7 yards per attempt against the Broncos, consistently finding Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman for chunk gains. Jackson didn’t just dink and dunk; he pushed the ball downfield with a level of precision that made the Broncos’ secondary look stagnant.

The Ravens’ offense currently leads the league in total yards and points per game. With Derrick Henry punishing teams on the ground, Jackson has utilized the play-action pass to carve up opponents. This 41-10 victory was a statement to the rest of the AFC that the road to the Super Bowl might very well run through M&T Bank Stadium.

“I’m just focused on winning. The stats are cool, but the goal is the trophy at the end of the year. My guys made plays for me out there, and the offensive line was incredible.”
— Lamar Jackson on his Week 9 performance

The MVP Race is Widening

As the season crosses the midway point, the gap between Jackson and the rest of the MVP candidates is growing. He currently leads the NFL in passer rating (120.9) and yards per attempt. Unlike other candidates who have relied on volume, Jackson’s efficiency is historically significant. He is on pace to become the first player to ever win an MVP while maintaining a 120+ passer rating over a full season.

The Ravens now prepare for a short-week divisional clash against the Cincinnati Bengals. With a defense that is beginning to find its stride and a quarterback playing at a perfect statistical level, Baltimore looks like the most dangerous team in football. If Jackson maintains this trajectory, he could become the first back-to-back MVP since Aaron Rodgers.

What’s Next

Baltimore faces a gauntlet of AFC North rivals in the coming weeks. The focus will remain on Jackson’s ability to navigate high-pressure blitzes and his burgeoning connection with his young receiving corps. For now, the league has no answer for No. 8. When a quarterback can beat you with a perfect arm just as easily as he can with his legs, the game is essentially over before it starts.