Key Takeaways:

• This weekend, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, top MVP contenders, face off in the NFL Divisional Playoff.
• Both quarterbacks have excelled this season, each leading their teams with impressive stats.
• Frigid weather conditions in Buffalo add another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated matchup.
• The Ravens aim for redemption after a prior loss to the Bills in the playoffs.
• This clash highlights the evolution of the quarterback role in the NFL, showcasing dual-threat abilities in both players.

In a highly anticipated playoff showdown, the Baltimore Ravens led by Lamar Jackson are set to take on the Buffalo Bills and their quarterback Josh Allen. This encounter not only determines who advances to the next round but also features two of the NFL’s leading MVP candidates clashing in a critical playoff match on Sunday. Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed his excitement for the matchup, stating it is "a privilege to be a part of a game like this."

The stakes are remarkably high as both quarterbacks have displayed exceptional performances throughout the season. Each has contributed to their team's success, with Jackson achieving a career-best season, including becoming the all-time leader for rushing yards by a quarterback. Allen has managed to secure five consecutive seasons with over 40 combined touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities in a way that is reshaping the quarterback role in the NFL. As Buffalo’s coach Sean McDermott noted, "It's what everybody has been waiting for," as both teams seek to capitalize on their strengths.

This playoff game holds significant implications for both players. Jackson, who has faced challenges in previous postseason appearances, aims to overcome the setback from his last visit to Buffalo, which resulted in a loss during the divisional round in 2020. He expressed the sour taste of that defeat, noting, "That’s all I’m going to say about that." Similarly, Allen, only two wins away from a Super Bowl berth, has shown resilience, bolstering his reputation throughout the playoffs. With the two having met only once previously in the postseason, expectations are high as they prepare for this compelling rematch.

The Ravens arrive with motivation from their earlier 35-10 victory against the Bills in Week 4, while Buffalo is focused on showcasing improved defensive strategies, particularly in halting Baltimore's robust ground game led by Derrick Henry. The Bills' defensive players, such as safety Taron Johnson, believe they are now better equipped to challenge Baltimore, asserting, "Things are just going to be different."

As the teams prepare to battle it out at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, with predictions of frigid temperatures dropping to below 10°F, the anticipation for this matchup has reached fever pitch. The conditions will challenge both squad's game plans, presenting a unique test for the talents of Jackson and Allen. This meeting is not just another playoff game; it's a battle of narrative, talent, and determination as both players strive to lead their teams to victory and closer to Super Bowl aspirations.

For ongoing coverage of the NFL playoffs, visit AP News NFL.