In the playoff clash on Sunday between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, the outcome didn’t impact the ongoing NFL MVP race since the voting for the award was already completed.

The key takeaway from this matchup, which showcased Lamar Jackson against Josh Allen, is that Allen will continue his pursuit of a Super Bowl title while Jackson experiences yet another letdown in the playoffs.

The Bills seized the opportunity from three turnovers by the Ravens, including two committed by Jackson. The game was secured when Mark Andrews failed to catch a crucial 2-point conversion in the closing minutes, resulting in a 27-25 victory for Buffalo and a spot in the AFC championship game.

Next Sunday, Buffalo will take on the two-time defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, at Arrowhead Stadium. Earlier in the season, the Bills defeated the Chiefs 30-21 in Week 11, marking Kansas City’s first loss. However, Kansas City has triumphed in all three playoff encounters between these two AFC contenders since Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback.

Jackson guided the Ravens on a successful 88-yard touchdown drive, concluding with a 24-yard pass to Isaiah Likely with just 1:33 remaining. However, during a critical two-point conversion attempt, Jackson found a wide-open Andrews, but the tight end dropped the pass that could have sent the game into overtime.

“Mark has the biggest heart, cares deeply, and fights harder than anyone,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed while supporting his Pro Bowl tight end. “We wouldn’t be in this position without Mark Andrews.”

The game began with both teams scoring touchdowns on their opening drives. But trouble struck for Jackson after he threw an interception to safety Taylor Rapp on his second attempt. Although the Bills failed to capitalize immediately by going three-and-out, Jackson later fumbled the ball. Linebacker Von Miller returned the fumble 39 yards, allowing Allen to rush for a 1-yard touchdown and give Buffalo a 14-7 advantage in the second quarter.

In the fourth quarter, linebacker Terrel Bernard forced a fumble from Andrews during a reception and recovered the ball himself. The Bills managed to run down the clock during an 11-play, 52-yard drive, but had to settle for Tyler Bass’ second field goal of the half after being stopped at Baltimore’s 2-yard line.

“Just hold on to the (expletive) ball,” Jackson expressed his frustration regarding his turnovers after the game. “Apologies for my language; this (expletive) is frustrating. I’m done with this (expletive).”

With this win, Buffalo made it past the divisional round for the first time since the 2020 season.

Although there was much anticipation for the matchup, both Allen and Jackson struggled to find a rhythm in the cold weather. Allen managed to run for two touchdowns but completed only 127 passing yards, while Jackson finished with 254 yards, much of which came during the final drive.

This story has been updated with new information.