Watch: Two Jackson second-quarter TDs give Ravens 'MNF' lead

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Watch: Two Lamar Jackson second-quarter TDs give Ravens 'MNF' lead

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 9:39 PM ET

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's two second-quarter touchdowns gave Baltimore a 14-10 halftime lead on the road against the Chargers.

The two-time MVP cut into Los Angeles' 10-point lead with an 10-yard touchdown run midway through the quarter.

Jackson held on to the ball on the option play and raced toward the pylon, stopping to allow a Chargers defender to overrun the play before crossing the goal line.

Lamar zig-zags for the TD!

: #BALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/UXrSQL7SQ9
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024

With less than a minute remaining in the half, Jackson threw a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

LAMAR GOES 40 YARDS DEEP TO BATEMAN.

Ravens take the lead before half!

: #BALvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/pXhCIVBRFC
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2024

One night after Eagles running back Saquon Barkley stated his MVP case, it's only fitting that Jackson, seeking his third MVP, has also made big plays at SoFi Stadium.

Barkley had 26 carries, 255 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-20 road win over the Los Angeles Rams on "Sunday Night Football."

Per ESPN Bet, both players trail Bills quarterback Josh Allen (+150) for the lead in MVP odds. Jackson (+210) ranks second, while Barkley (+650), who ranks fourth, also trails Lions quarterback Jared Goff (+550).

At halftime, the Ravens lead 14-13.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

More must-reads: