The 2024 NFL season will open with the Chiefs hosting the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. That should be among the best primetime games this year.
It's also a modern-day matchup of quarterback titans. The Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league. Coincidentally, he's also widely considered the face of the league.
While there are many good quarterbacks in the league right now, only one can compete with Mahomes as far as the mantle for top dog is concerned: the Ravens' Lamar Jackson. Every generation doesn't get high-level talents competing at the top of their profession. It just so happens we're all being treated to another quarterback battle in back-to-back generations.
Mahomes vs. Jackson is the next Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning, but with a twice. While Brady and Manning were both pocket passers, Mahomes and Jackson bring the running element to the game. Their ability to make things happen outside the pocket and off schedule is remarkable. Mahomes is the better passer, but Jackson is the better runner. Don't let that fool you. These guys are a lot closer than some of these comparison stats would lead you to believe.
Here's how Mahomes vs. Jackson is the next Brady vs. Manning.
Why Mahomes vs. Jackson is the next Brady vs. Manning
Accolades
The debate always starts with Super Bowl rings first. Mahomes has three and Jackson is ringless. That could change soon as the Ravens try to build a contender around Jackson. They almost made the Super Bowl a year ago before losing to Mahomes' Chiefs in the 2023 AFC championship game. Meanwhile, the Chiefs seem to reload every year. Mahomes has one more All-Pro season (3-2) than Jackson, but both are tied with two MVPs apiece. They both will continue to add to these totals. Mahomes will turn 29 this year and Jackson turned 27 a couple of months ago.
As for Brady and Manning, the Patriots and Buccaneers gunslinger has more championships (seven) than Manning (two), but fewer All-Pros and MVPs. Manning has made 10 All-Pros and won five MVPs compared to Brady's six All-Pros and three MVPs.
Head-to-head record
In the head-to-head matchup, Mahomes holds a 4-1 advantage. One of those wins was in the AFC title this past season. The other games were played in the regular season. We get another regular season matchup to kick off the season this year and everyone expects this game to have the same fireworks. This past season was the first time the Chiefs weren't a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the AFC since the 2017 season. The Ravens and Jackson took that top spot. With each team shoring up weaknesses this offseason, we can expect another matchup of these two in January.
Brady, meanwhile, holds the 9-3 regular season record over Manning, while the Colts and Broncos quarterback has a 3-2 record against Brady in the postseason.
Overall skills
Mahomes and Jackson are both exceptionally gifted. As stated previously, Mahomes is the better passer while Jackson is the better runner. Both are improving in the areas in which they lack. Mahomes has gotten better about using his legs, but also tries to take care of himself. Jackson has gotten better as a passer while maintaining his home-run threat as a runner. Mahomes has the stronger arm, but not by much. The shocker when looking at these two? Mahomes' competition percentage is only two points higher over their careers than Jackson's. The Chiefs are more pass-oriented while the Ravens are run-based. This is one of the main causes in the disparity in their passing stats.
At 29 and 27 years old, respectively, to begin this season, it's safe to say Mahomes vs. Jackson is a matchup we'll see for the next 10 years if health isn't a factor. Could we be seeing two more all-time greats going at it? Possibly. Mahomes has done enough to cement a very good legacy already. Jackson has done a great job establishing himself also, but needs a few more accolades (and rings) to be able to enter that argument with Mahomes. Otherwise, he'll continue to be the Manning to Mahomes' Brady.
