BAYLESS ADVOCATES FOR JAXON'S PLAYOFF TRIUMPH OVER MVP WIN

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is making a strong case for himself as one of the top candidates for the NFL's Most Valuable Player award, but sports critic Skip Bayless says it's not about personal accolades this time around.

"I can make a strong case that Lamar Jackson deserves the MVP, but I don't want him to win again," Bayless stated. "I want him to win the AFC championship game. I wouldn't mind it if he wins the first Super Bowl. But no MVP when his record is just 2-3 in the playoffs."

Jackson's postseason record of 2-4 and six touchdowns to six interceptions with three lost fumbles are a concern, according to Bayless. Instead, he believes Jackson should focus on bringing home playoff championships for himself and the Ravens.

"I want him to win the AFC championship game," Bayless emphasized. "He has shown time and again that he can dominate games, but the playoffs are a different story."

Despite his reservations about Jackson's postseason performance, Bayless still acknowledges the quarterback's impressive regular season statistics. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season.

Lamar Jackson himself acknowledged the need for improvement after past playoff losses, stating "to be mistake-free" and focusing on winning games with the turnover battle and controlling the ball.

As the Ravens prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the upcoming playoffs, Jackson said he would wait until game day to decide whether or not to wear sleeves. Despite his upbringing in warm Southern Florida, there is a chance of cooler conditions, which could affect his performance.

Meanwhile, a strategic move by the Steelers to utilize backup quarterback Justin Fields has raised questions about how this might impact the Ravens' defense.

Looking ahead, Bayless's comments highlight the importance of playoff performances over personal accolades for top players like Lamar Jackson.