:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65898026/usa_today_13785946.0.jpg)
The Baltimore Ravens are your 2019 AFC North champions. The Ravens thumped the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football 42-21 to improve to 12-2. Baltimore can clinch a first round bye with a Patriots or Chiefs loss on Sunday, and can clinch home field throughout the playoffs with losses by both the Patriots and Chiefs.
The big story of the game was another monster performance by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. He had effectively locked up the 2019 MVP award coming into this game, and he put a cherry on top against the Jets. Jackson completed 15 of 23 passes for 212 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for 86 yards on eight rushing attempts.
Jackson needed 23 yards to break Michael Vick’s single-season quarterback rushing record, and it took him only three carries to do it. The rushing is intoxicating, but this is his third game this season with five touchdown passes. His passing game has been on point with regularity and the combination of passing and rushing has locked up the 2019 MVP award.
Other than Jackson, there really wasn’t a huge standout performance. Mark Ingram had 86 total yards and scored two touchdowns. Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown each caught four passes including a touchdown. Miles Boykin and Seth Roberts each added another touchdown. Valuable performances across the board, but this was another Lamar game.
The NFL will announce the MVP award before the Super Bowl, and there is zero doubt Lamar Jackson will be taking it home. The question for now is whether or not he’ll be in attendance at the NFL Honors event, or busy preparing for Super Bowl 54.