Every year, the football world finds a new way to discredit Lamar Jackson. Whether it’s questioning his ability as a passer, blaming his supporting cast, or acting like his insane production isn’t actually that impressive, the conversation always seems to shift to make his success seem less legitimate.
But when the dust settled on the 2024 season, one thing became crystal clear: Lamar Jackson was the best quarterback in the NFL.
NFL.com’s Nick Shook just released his final quarterback rankings of the season, factoring in both regular season and playoff performance. Sitting at the very top? Jackson. The same Jackson who led the Ravens to 12 wins, threw for a career-high 45 touchdowns, rushed for over 1,000 yards, and captained the league’s No. 1 offense. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, the guy who actually won MVP, landed at No. 2.
Let’s not beat around the bush—this only adds more fuel to an already blazing fire. Jackson should have been the league’s MVP. He should have at least been leading the Ravens into the Super Bowl. And now, he has even more reason to make 2025 the year he silences every last one of his doubters.
Lamar Jackson was the best player in the NFL in 2024
Jackson’s placement at No. 1 isn’t some hot take—it’s a fact backed by the numbers. As Shook put it: "For as excellent as Jackson's 2023 MVP season was, his 2024 campaign was better in almost every category."
He put up more passing yards, more touchdowns, fewer interceptions, and still nearly hit 1,000 rushing yards. He was, quite literally, the most dominant and electric player at the most important position in sports.
And yet, because the Ravens fell short in the playoffs, his greatness got overlooked. That’s been the narrative with Jackson for years—his individual dominance is undeniable, but until he wins a ring, the critics won’t stop talking.
Well, if this latest ranking proves anything, it’s that Jackson has never been more motivated. Look at how much better he got as a passer from 2023. When he sets his mind to improving, no one can stop him. Imagine him getting any better—that's scary. He’s already playing at an elite level. The Ravens have the pieces to contend. And now, the league just handed him the perfect reason to go full scorched-earth mode in 2025. This is his time to prove to everyone why he's No. 1—it's time to hoist the Lombardi.
The Super Bowl conversation isn’t about whether Jackson can get there. It’s about when. If his 2024 performance was any indication, that moment is coming sooner rather than later. And when it does, the excuses will finally run out.
