NFL Playoffs Under Duress List - Conference Championships Round

It’s the Conference Championships round. The two best teams from each conference (AFC & NFC) will battle it out for a chance at playing in the Super Bowl.

When you get to this stage, I think naturally every quarterback is under duress as you’re so close to getting to the ultimate game.

As we scrutinise the remaining four teams, let's assess the quarterbacks and gauge the intensity of the pressure they face on a scale from 1 to 10. With the Super Bowl tantalizingly close, every throw, every decision, carries monumental significance., I will preview the remaining four teams’ quarterbacks and rate out of 10 how much pressure they are under - 10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

AFC Championship Game (Kansas City Chiefs v Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium)

Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson finds himself under intense scrutiny as he stands at the crossroads of a pivotal moment in his career. The pressure on him is arguably greater than that faced by any other remaining quarterback in the quest for a Super Bowl title. Jackson's unique style, a departure from the traditional pocket passer, positions him as a pure dual threat. Adding to the stakes, he stands on the verge of being crowned MVP for the second time, a feat that would make him the youngest two-time MVP winner in history.

In last week’s Divisional Round, Jackson set a historic record as the first player in NFL history to record two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, rush for over 100 yards, and register a passer rating of at least 100.0.?

Now, as the Ravens gear up to face the formidable Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game, the stakes have been raised exponentially. Jackson finds himself pitted against a quarterback with a stellar track record, having reached six consecutive AFC Championship games and boasting two Super Bowl victories, including two Super Bowl MVPs. This clash with Mahomes is the perfect litmus test for Jackson—a chance to prove himself against the quarterback widely regarded as the best in the division. Complicating matters, he faces a formidable Steve Spagnuolo defence that has been exceptional throughout the season.

Despite the challenges, Lamar enters this crucial week with several factors in his favour—a solid run game, a diverse array of receivers, and a formidable defence. Moreover, he will benefit from the support of a fervent home crowd at M&T Bank Stadium, promising a charged atmosphere. While losing to Patrick Mahomes carries no shame, there would undoubtedly be a tinge of disappointment, especially considering the Chiefs' recent performance, marked by their lowest points average in the Mahomes era and a 4-4 record in the last eight games of the season.

The media spotlight is firmly fixed on Lamar, who asserts that he does not "put pressure on myself at all." Yet, the expectations are palpable as he endeavours to guide the Ravens to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2012 season.

Duress Rating: 9

Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs

While Mahomes isn't facing a boatload of pressure, the upcoming game undeniably carries substantial implications for his already illustrious legacy. Despite already securing two championship rings, Mahomes, if harbouring aspirations to be widely recognised as the greatest quarterback ever, must capitalise on the opportunity to play in a fourth Super Bowl within a mere six seasons as a starter. This feat would strengthen his claim, potentially surpassing even the likes of Tom Brady. However, standing in his way are Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens who are arguably the best team in the whole NFL.?

Despite the Ravens being perceived as superior across offence, defence, and special teams by many, with Vegas even favouring them as 3.5-point favourites, Mahomes enters the game with an extraordinary playoff record of 13-3. The discrepancy in odds may be viewed by some as a form of disrespect, but it also underscores the Ravens' standing as the number 1 seed.

Successfully guiding this iteration of the Chiefs to another Super Bowl victory would undeniably elevate Mahomes' candidacy for the title of the greatest quarterback of all time. While the lion's share of pressure may rest on Lamar Jackson, Mahomes cannot escape the inherent expectations that come with reaching this deep in the playoffs. The proximity to a Super Bowl appearance inherently brings its weight and anticipation for success.

Duress Rating: 7

NFC Championship Game (Detroit Lions v San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium)

Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers

Purdy's season has been a rollercoaster, ranging from being touted as an MVP candidate, drawing comparisons to the legendary Joe Montana, to being replaced by Sam Darnold after a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Last week's divisional-round win over the Packers, brought back concerns as he struggled to ignite the offence in the first half.

However, credit is due to Purdy for stepping up in the crucial moments. Down by 5 points or more going into the fourth quarter, he defied historical odds as head coach Kyle Shanahan, previously 0-31 in such situations, witnessed Purdy lead a game-winning touchdown drive.?

Purdy's season statistics, including a franchise-record 4280 pass yards with 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, underscore his impact on the team's success. The 49ers boast a 20-5 record, playoffs included, with him as a starter, and he has clinched three playoff victories, surpassing the combined total of Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence. But, criticism of Purdy often centres on his role in Shanahan's highly efficient, quarterback-friendly offence, supported by a formidable collection of skill-position players.?

As the 49ers face the Detroit Lions, Purdy confronts new challenges, particularly against Aidan Hutchinson and the potential absence of key weapon Deebo Samuel. This game becomes another litmus test for Purdy, determining whether he can elevate his performance when faced with adversity and showcase his elite potential.

While some question Purdy's elite status, he has an opportunity to silence critics and prove that one doesn't need to be considered elite, akin to Mahomes, to win a Super Bowl. The examples of Nick Foles, and Eli Manning, serve as reminders that championship victories are not exclusive to those perceived as elite. If Purdy can replicate his regular-season form, the 49ers stand a good chance of returning to the Super Bowl.

Duress Rating: 8

Jared Goff - Detroit Lions

Goff finds himself in a unique position as he leads the Detroit Lions into the NFC Championship Game, a realm that could potentially redefine not only the team's fortunes but also the narrative of an entire city. While Goff making another Super Bowl would put him in high estimations, the impact on Detroit would be monumental—a city yearning for football success after enduring a prolonged period of hardship.

Detroit's football history is marred by limited success, with only one Conference Championship appearance in 1991 resulting in a loss to the Washington Commanders. However, under the guidance of Dan Campbell, the franchise has undergone a remarkable transformation from ridicule to respectability. Goff, at the helm, has the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of Lions folklore by orchestrating a historic journey to the Super Bowl.

Yet, Goff's performances on the road have been inconsistent, contrasting starkly with his home turf displays over the past two seasons. Despite these challenges, Goff benefits from a robust run game featuring Gibbs and Montgomery, complemented by reliable receivers like St. Brown and Laporta.

Facing the formidable 49ers presents a daunting challenge, particularly on enemy territory. However, for Goff, a Bay Area native who wears the iconic number 16 in homage to his idol Joe Montana, the opportunity to vanquish his childhood team holds immense significance. A victory over the NFC's top-ranked team would not only propel the Lions to unprecedented heights but also ignite the dreams of Detroit fans, beckoning them to book flights to the West Coast for the grand spectacle of the Super Bowl. However, whatever happens, the Lions have overachieved and had an amazing season.

Duress Rating: 5