Dan Orlovsky Boldly Predicts Lamar Jackson Will Be First Among Elite Quarterbacks To Capture Next Super Bowl Title In NFL
In the ever-evolving world of NFL analysis, few voices carry the same combination of player insight and sharp breakdown as former quarterback-turned-ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. Known for his candid takes and film-first perspective, Orlovsky isn’t shy when it comes to bold predictions—and his latest may be his most intriguing yet. During a recent segment on ESPN’s NFL Live, Orlovsky made waves by naming Lamar Jackson as the next quarterback among the NFL’s “elite four” to win a Super Bowl.
That quartet includes Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Buffalo’s Josh Allen, and Baltimore’s Jackson. While Mahomes already has two Super Bowl rings, the chase for the next championship among the remaining trio has become one of the NFL’s most talked-about storylines. Burrow has come painfully close. Allen has carried Buffalo to multiple playoff runs. But it’s Lamar Jackson—the dual-threat dynamo and reigning MVP—who Orlovsky believes is poised to break through next.
“I’m going with Lamar,” Orlovsky said without hesitation. “He’s the most dynamic player in the NFL, and this Ravens team—top to bottom—might be the most complete roster he’s ever had. The time is now.”
The statement sparked immediate debate across the sports world. Many applauded Orlovsky for finally giving Jackson the kind of championship projection often reserved for more traditional quarterbacks. Others questioned whether Jackson’s playoff resume and offensive scheme can truly carry Baltimore to a Super Bowl. But Orlovsky stood firm, pointing to a combination of Jackson’s growth, the Ravens’ roster upgrades, and the overall direction of the franchise.
Orlovsky’s belief in Jackson stems from both statistics and structure. Jackson is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he won his second MVP award, throwing for over 3,700 yards and rushing for more than 900. He displayed poise in the pocket, better decision-making, and a deeper understanding of Todd Monken’s offensive system, which has emphasized balance, timing, and rhythm.
“He’s not just winning with his legs anymore,” Orlovsky noted. “He’s diagnosing defenses, going through reads, making throws to all levels of the field. He’s a full-field quarterback now.”
That development is key. One of the long-standing critiques of Jackson has been that his style—heavy on improvisation and ground-game dominance—might not hold up under playoff pressure when defenses play more disciplined, assignment-sound football. But 2024 showed signs that Jackson’s evolution is for real. He led the Ravens to a 13-4 record, the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and a deep playoff run that ended just short of a Super Bowl appearance.
Monken’s offensive design has helped elevate Jackson’s passing attack without stripping away the creativity that makes him so unique. The Ravens now use more pre-snap motion, layered route concepts, and a quick passing game to keep defenses off balance. And Jackson has responded with better pocket discipline and more consistent mechanics.
For Orlovsky, Jackson’s personal development is only part of the equation. Just as important is the team around him. The 2025 Baltimore Ravens may have one of the NFL’s most complete rosters.
“They’ve got depth, they’ve got balance, and they’ve got toughness,” Orlovsky said. “That defense is elite, and they can win in multiple ways. When you have that, you’re never out of a game.”
Indeed, the Ravens’ defense led the NFL in several categories last season, including takeaways, sacks, and red-zone efficiency. Anchored by Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and a powerful defensive front, Baltimore has built a unit that thrives on chaos and physicality. It’s the kind of defense that complements Jackson perfectly—capable of forcing short fields, creating momentum, and closing out tight games.
Offensively, the addition of Derrick Henry in the backfield adds another layer of control to the Ravens’ approach. While Henry is past his prime, he still commands respect and gives Baltimore a legitimate clock-controlling threat. Zay Flowers’ continued emergence as a vertical threat, along with Mark Andrews’ reliability and Rashod Bateman’s potential, gives Jackson his deepest supporting cast yet.
“Everything is set up for success,” Orlovsky insisted. “This is the most balanced Ravens team since their Super Bowl run with Flacco in 2012—but this time, the quarterback is a game-changer.”
Orlovsky’s pick naturally raised eyebrows because of the quarterbacks he didn’t choose. Joe Burrow, when healthy, has been sensational for the Bengals. He led Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and an AFC title game in 2022. His poise, accuracy, and leadership are undeniable. But durability is becoming a concern. Burrow has missed significant time due to injuries, and the Bengals’ offensive line still has holes. Their defense also took a step back last season, raising concerns about their ability to consistently stop elite offenses.
“I love Burrow,” Orlovsky said. “But I’m not sure the Bengals have done enough to protect him or surround him with the kind of defense needed to win a Super Bowl.”
As for Josh Allen, his raw talent is undeniable. He’s one of the league’s most physically gifted quarterbacks, capable of making throws few others can. But Buffalo has struggled with consistency in the postseason, often stumbling in critical moments. Turnovers, clock management issues, and an unreliable run game have plagued the Bills in recent years.
“Josh Allen can absolutely win a Super Bowl,” Orlovsky said. “But the Bills just haven’t shown the ability to finish games in the playoffs. Until they prove otherwise, I can’t put them ahead of Baltimore.”
Of course, one can’t discuss AFC quarterbacks without acknowledging Patrick Mahomes, who already has two Super Bowl rings and is widely viewed as the gold standard. But Orlovsky’s prediction specifically referred to the next quarterback among the elite group without a ring to break through. With Mahomes having already climbed that mountain, the spotlight shifts to those chasing him.
And in Orlovsky’s view, Jackson has the inside track.
“Lamar’s got the hunger, the team, and now the maturity,” he said. “Everything is aligned for him to take that next step.”
A Super Bowl win for Lamar Jackson wouldn’t just validate Orlovsky’s prediction—it would permanently silence critics who’ve long questioned Jackson’s playoff credentials. Despite his MVP awards and historic regular-season stats, Jackson has faced disproportionate skepticism. Some have labeled him a “regular-season quarterback.” Others have insisted his style isn’t built for longevity.
Winning a Super Bowl would shatter those narratives and cement Jackson’s place among the league’s all-time greats.
“People don’t realize what kind of pressure Lamar’s been under,” Orlovsky said. “He’s been doubted every step of the way. But he keeps improving. He keeps leading. He keeps showing up. A Super Bowl would change everything.”
Orlovsky’s confidence aside, the road to a Super Bowl remains treacherous. The AFC is loaded. Mahomes and the Chiefs are always a threat. The Bengals and Bills are dangerous. New challengers like C.J. Stroud’s Texans and Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars are emerging. And playoff football is unforgiving—one bad day can end a season.
But Orlovsky believes the adversity Jackson has faced will be his greatest asset.
“He’s battle-tested. He’s been doubted, dissected, and disrespected. That makes you sharper. That makes you stronger. And I think we’re about to see the best version of Lamar yet.”
Dan Orlovsky’s prediction may seem bold on the surface, but it’s grounded in a growing belief among analysts and former players: Lamar Jackson is no longer just a dynamic athlete—he’s a complete quarterback on the cusp of something special. With the roster around him, the coaching staff in place, and the motivation burning inside, Jackson may indeed be the next quarterback to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
And if Orlovsky’s vision comes true, it won’t just be a win for the Ravens—it’ll be a defining moment in Lamar Jackson’s journey from doubted to dominant.
