Analysis: Lamar Jackson and the Ravens must avoid falling short in the playoffs

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are dominating games, but they need to keep it up in the playoffs. Some NFL updates.

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have been playing their best football in the biggest games of the regular season, but now they need to carry that momentum into the playoffs. Jackson, who has been one of the NFL's top players for several years, has a record of 1-3 in the playoffs with the Ravens. However, this season seems different as the Ravens have not only beaten better teams, but they have dominated them.

Jackson recently boosted his chances for a second AP NFL MVP award with back-to-back sensational performances in lopsided wins over the 49ers and Dolphins to help the Ravens secure the AFC's No. 1 seed. In five games this season against teams with 11 wins, Jackson has completed 90 of 125 passes for 1,339 yards, 13 TDs, and two picks with a 134.7 passer rating. The Ravens were 4-1 in those games with an average margin of victory of 27 points and each win by at least 14.

Overall, Jackson has had a career-high 3,678 yards passing with 24 TDs, seven interceptions, and a 102.7 passer rating. He has also run for 821 yards and five scores. However, the Ravens were knocked out of the playoffs in the divisional round after earning the top seed that season. Jackson knows that won't cut it this time and said, "We gotta finish the season the right way."

The Philadelphia Eagles, who started the season with a 10-1 record, have now lost four of their last five games. This has knocked them out of the running for the NFC's No. 1 seed and likely into a wild-card spot. Fans are calling for coach Nick Sirianni's job, and the team is facing internal issues, including questions about Jalen Hurts' leadership.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars are in an excellent position to clinch their respective division titles this week. Both teams are capable of going on a run and being a tough out in the playoffs.

In other news, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field and needed to be resuscitated after undergoing a cardiac arrest on January 2, 2023. He has made a remarkable recovery and has played in five games this season. In response to this incident, the NFL and other major sports leagues have launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which aims to prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest among high school athletes and others by implementing life-saving policies across the country.

Since the coalition's work began, five states, including New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, and California, have moved to enact one or more of the policies. This initiative is crucial in ensuring the safety of athletes and promoting awareness of cardiac health in sports.