Chiefs Superstar Patrick Mahomes Is 4-1 Vs. Lamar Jackson

Both Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have won two MVP awards before turning 29.

But the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has the definite edge in the head-to-head matchups between two of the best players in the league. He is 4-1 all time against the Baltimore Ravens star.

That includes the lone time they met in the playoffs — the Chiefs’ 17-10 road win against the Ravens in the most recent AFC Championship Game.

Though Jackson in 2020 called the Chiefs “his kryptonite,” he recently said those losses don’t add extra motivation for Thursday’s game, which kicks off the NFL season.

I’m approaching every game the same way,” Jackson said. “I want to win regardless — win, lose or draw the previous times.”

His lone previous win against Mahomes came in Week Two of the 2021 season when the Ravens prevailed 36-35, and Jackson showcased his versatile skills in that game, throwing for 239 yards and rushing for 107 and two touchdowns.

“He’s a special player,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. “It’s very hard to mimic him.”

To simulate Jackson in practice, Reid used to employ nimble quarterback Chris Oladokun, but he didn’t make the roster this season. And there really isn’t a player in the NFL who can match Jackson’s combination of arm strength, speed and elusiveness.

The best comparison may be someone Reid used to coach on the Philadelphia Eagles — Michael Vick.

But more than Jackson’s athleticism, Mahomes praised his competitiveness.

“You can tell he wants to go out there and win, and he wants to put it on his shoulders to take his team to where they can win as many games as possible,” Mahomes said. “That’s truly what it really takes to be a great quarterback in this league. It’s not always about talent.”
Mahomes certainly knows what it takes to be an excellent NFL quarterback.

He not only has an intense competitive fire and transcendent arm talent, but he’s also far and away the most successful NFL quarterback playing today. He has an astounding 15-3 record in the playoffs, including three Super Bowl wins.

“He’s a great quarterback,” Jackson said. “He has the accolades to prove it.”

Both quarterbacks have their share of regular-season accolades, though Mahomes has owned the more important postseason games.
Aaron Rodgers is the only other active player with multiple MVP awards. Two-time MVPs Jackson, who won after the 2019 and 2023 seasons, and Mahomes, who won after the 2018 and 2022 seasons, are compensated accordingly.

Mahomes has the largest contract value in the NFL at $450 million, and Jackson has the fifth most at $260 million, but Jackson, who represented himself, has the most two-year and three-year cash at $111.75 million and $155.25 million, respectively.

There is mutual respect between the two superstars, but they’re not friends.

Jackson said he tries to keep a bit of a distance between himself and the quarterbacks he competes against, including Mahomes.

“I don’t have a relationship with him. I don’t think I have a relationship with any quarterback in the league,” he said. “But he’s a great quarterback.”