Lamar Jackson explains why he doesn't want to be Josh Allen's friend

The biggest NFL playoff matchup this weekend is arguably the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Buffalo Bills (13-4). The game undoubtedly features the biggest quarterback matchup of the weekend between the Ravens' Lamar Jackson and the Bills' Josh Allen. 

Allen and Jackson are NFL MVP front-runners, and this tilt will go a long way in swaying public perception as to which QB is the most deserving of the honor. Jackson is 3-1 all-time against Allen, including a 35-10 win over the Bills in September. 

While Allen and Jackson are considered among the best quarterbacks of their generation, Jackson made it clear that he and Allen aren't going to kick back in the offseason and be buddies anytime soon. They may be contemporaries, but they're competitors first and foremost eyeing the same prize.

“Do I see Josh Allen? I don’t know, I’ve probably seen Josh early on in my career, going to events, like around Super Bowl time and stuff like that,” Jackson said, per Pro Football Talk. “I don’t really chill with people in the offseason, especially not other quarterbacks. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no problem, but we’re competing against each other. I’m trying to beat you. I’m not trying to be your friend.”

Jackson did note that his thought process is something that he and Allen can reflect on down the line in a joking manner. 

“No doubt, when we’re older, we’ll probably laugh about it, but right now, it’s serious," Jackson said. "I ain’t laughing with you."

Jackson is right; it's very serious. Neither he nor Allen have made a Super Bowl appearance thus far in their great careers, and now they're in the way of each other from attaining that goal. Per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Ravens are a narrow 1.5-point favorite over the Bills despite the game being in Buffalo at Highmark Stadium.