"Ravens Celebrate Lamar Jackson After a 5-Touchdown Performance: 'Like LeBron,' 'MVP'"

TAMPA, Fla. — Lamar Jackson is making a strong case for a third NFL Most Valuable Player award, showcasing his multifaceted skills on the field. In the Baltimore Ravens' 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson threw five touchdown passes and rushed for 52 yards, but it was his lead-blocking for Derrick Henry that turned heads. With the Ravens leading by 16 points in the fourth quarter, Jackson sprinted upfield to clear a path for Henry, pushing All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. aside for a significant 39-yard gain.

"Lamar is the ultimate competitor," said Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. "He puts everything on the line every game. He’s just incredible—he's the MVP."

After this performance, Jackson has emerged as the betting favorite for the NFL MVP, with odds at +275, ahead of Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes at +475. At 27, Jackson would become the youngest player to win the award three times, having previously secured it in 2019 and last season.

However, Jackson remained focused on team success rather than personal accolades. "I'm chasing something right now," he said. "Every game is about winning for me."

Leading the Ravens to their fifth consecutive victory, Jackson orchestrated six straight scoring drives after an early 10-0 deficit. He delivered a 49-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman and connected with Andrews for a crucial 4-yard touchdown on fourth down.

Jackson has now helped the Ravens score 27 or more points in five straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. This marked his third career game with five touchdown passes and at least 50 yards rushing, a feat unmatched in NFL history.

"It's almost scary to see him getting better at this point," said Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. "He’s one-of-a-kind. If I had to compare him to anyone in basketball, he’s like LeBron out there."

While Jackson has always been a threat on the ground, he continues to excel in passing, finishing 17-of-22 for 281 yards and five touchdowns. This was his fifth game with as many or more touchdown passes than incompletions, a record in the league. Through seven games, he ranks fifth in passing yards (1,810), second in touchdown passes (15), and second in yards per attempt (9.1).

"He's the best in the league," added Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. "If anyone disagrees, they’re not really watching football."

Though Jackson claims he doesn't change his approach for prime-time games, he has indeed elevated his performance under the spotlight. He now holds the record for the longest streak of touchdown passes without an interception on "Monday Night Football," with 20 touchdown passes.

"He'll go down in the history of 'Monday Night Football' for sure," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "And there's a lot more to come."