Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson: Who’s the real dual-threat?

A draft can deliver all kinds of players to a team. Some may share traits, but each carves out a distinct path. In the case of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, the similarities are obvious. Both landed in the league in 2018. Both were first-round picks. And both are the faces of their respective franchises. But when it comes to passing yards, they’re not flying at the same altitude.

According to stats published by TheSportsRush, the Bills’ signal-caller, Josh Allen, has racked up 26,434 passing yards. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ quarterback, Lamar Jackson, sits at 20,059. The gap isn’t just statistical—it’s narrative.

Two players with massive upside

Josh Allen currently ranks 75th on the all-time passing yards list. If he keeps up his pace, he could climb 20 more spots this season. Lamar Jackson, on the other hand, is at 120th—trailing even Justin Herbert, who’s played 24 fewer games. Jackson has suited up for 103 contests, Allen for 111. The difference in aerial production is clear, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Because when it comes to rushing yards, Lamar Jackson takes the lead with 6,173, compared to Josh Allen’s 4,142. The Baltimore playmaker has redefined what it means to be a “dual-threat” quarterback, becoming the all-time rushing leader at his position. Allen, while more physical, has been more efficient through the air. That balance has helped him accumulate nearly 4,000 more total yards than Jackson across their careers.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Lamar Jackson (@new_era8)

Allen vs. Jackson

Their last head-to-head came in the AFC Divisional Round in 2024. Buffalo edged out Baltimore 27-25 in a game that had everything—Josh Allen touchdowns on the ground, critical mistakes from the Ravens, and a failed conversion that could’ve flipped the outcome. Lamar Jackson threw for 254 yards and two scores, but also had an interception and a fumble. Allen wasn’t flashy through the air, but punched in two rushing TDs and led the Bills when it mattered most.

This season, the schedule pits them against each other again in the first Sunday Night Football matchup. Buffalo enters as a 1.5-point favorite according to DraftKings, but Baltimore is hungry for payback. General Manager Eric DeCosta has built a deep, versatile roster, and Lamar Jackson knows this is the moment to prove himself.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Josh Allen (@joshallenqb)

More than numbers: a clash of styles

The showdown between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson is a stylistic duel. One throws with power, the other runs with finesse. One rules the skies, the other owns the ground. And while they share a draft class, each has carved out a unique identity. The next chapter unfolds under the prime-time lights—and it’s shaping up to be more than just another game. It’s a statement about who will own the season.