Author Photo
Getty

If you don't know, now you know: Lamar Jackson is the most valuable player in the NFL.

Whether that's confirmed with a second MVP award is still to be decided. But the Ravens starlet has certainly made a convincing case in recent weeks.

Last Monday, Jackson set Levi's Stadium ablaze with a near-faultless showing against the heavily favored 49ers. His latest trick — set against a hapless Dolphins defense — was similarly effortless.

MORE: Updated standings, NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 17 bracket

Jackson let loose in a battle of AFC heavyweights, mystifying the teal-clad Floridians. Here's how he made it happen.

Lamar Jackson stats today

Jackson toyed with his opposition in Week 17, pouring in 321 yards and five touchdowns on 18-of-21 passing for a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He added a further 35 yards on six carries on the ground.

Jackson showcased his mastery of Todd Monken's offense early on, completing 4-of-5 passes for 77 yards on Baltimore's opening drive. He finished the drive with a flourish, floating a feather to Justice Hill for his first score of the game.

It set the stage for a blissful day at M&T Bank Stadium. Jackson launched arrows all across the green lagoon, spotlighting the Ravens' subsequent possessions with darts to Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, respectively.

The hits kept coming for Jackson and Co. Even when faced with the crunch of fourth-and-long, Jackson still shined through:

Jackson's first-half numbers were magnificent. He completed 12 of 14 passes for 255 yards, three touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 passer rating in the game's first 30 minutes alone.

Unsurprisingly, Jackson was feeling himself.

The advanced analytics told a similar story. It seemed that Miami's gameplay centered on sending the cavalcade towards Jackson and his blockers. It didn't make all that much difference in the end; he found Baltimorean hands on 5-of-6 attempts, racking up 171 yards and two touchdowns against the blitz in the first half.

When the dust settled on the Ravens' beatdown, Jackson's numbers told the tale. Jackson posted a perfect passer rating for just the third time in his career (and first time since 2019). He also matched his career-high in passing touchdowns in a single game.

It was a performance befitting of royalty. And at least one king was appreciative.

The best show in football calls Charm City home. His mauling of Miami's defense was simply further evidence.

Lamar Jackson MVP odds

Jackson is undoubtedly the frontrunner for this year's MVP. Sunday's showing was simply the cherry on top, not just for the masses but also the sportsbooks.

Below is a look at the MVP race, according to Caesar's.

Player Team Odds
Lamar Jackson Ravens -195
Christian McCaffrey 49ers +375
Brock Purdy 49ers +850
Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins +900
Josh Allen Bills +800
Tyreek Hill Dolphins +1300
Dak Prescott Cowboys +2500
Jalen Hurts Eagles +3500
Patrick Mahomes Chiefs +7500
Jared Goff Lions +15000

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Author(s)
David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News.