Free agency is over, and the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone. The Baltimore Ravens, in their perpetual pursuit of a Super Bowl title, have improved with the additions of receiver DeAndre Hopkins and safety Malaki Starks.
The former will hope to add more credibility to a passing offense that exploded in 2024.
That progress is naturally credited to quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is coming off the most impressive performance of his career. He was already among the best quarterbacks in the sport, but his showing from the pocket was a sign that he’s not leaving the pantheon of the league’s elite anytime soon.
Subsequently, the Ravens star is being ranked alongside 2024 MVP and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in fantasy football.
“It’s reigning MVP versus reigning QB1 in fantasy football,” Kendall Valenzuela wrote. “Lamar Jackson was ELECTRIC last season, locking down the most rushing yards by a quarterback (915) while averaging 53.8 rushing yards per game. That said, the more impressive part of last season was the strides he made as a passer.”
“Jackson not only had career highs in pass attempts (474), completions (316), yards (4,172), and touchdowns (41), but he also had a career-low four interceptions and a league-high 8.8 YPA.”
There are reasonable arguments for both passers to be the first quarterback off the draft board. Jackson offers more rushing potential given his raw athleticism and role in the ground game, but Allen’s proclivity for “tush pushing” and making an impact in short-yardage situations gives him a touchdown boost.
In those short-yardage spots, Baltimore has running back Derrick Henry to turn to, perhaps limiting his upside on the ground.
Ultimately, there isn’t much evidence to suggest that either is far and away the top quarterback in fantasy football. And that’s okay! Fantasy football is meant to be fun, and if rooting for one’s favorite quarterback adds to that endeavor, neither Ravens fans nor Bills fans should hesitate to draft their superstar.
Jackson won’t be expected to give back his passing production in 2025, especially with Hopkins adding a trustworthy threat with a knack for scoring touchdowns. At this point, Allen and Jackson are established stars and among the safest projections in the sport.
Pick either one and enjoy the ride. The only discussion is whether a different position would be more valuable at their price.
