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Lamar Jackson changed expectations for mobile quarterbacks when he burst onto the NFL scene, but Josh Allen’s bruising, consistent style has carved a different path to rushing records. As Jackson battles through injuries, comparing their ground games reveals who leads in yards, touchdowns and efficiency after nine NFL seasons.
Season-by-season rushing yards: a side-by-side comparison
The two quarterbacks have followed contrasting trajectories. Jackson produced historic single-season totals early on. Allen has piled up steady yardage and durability over time.
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Lamar Jackson vs Josh Allen: who leads NFL rushing stats?
| Season | Lamar Jackson (yards) | Josh Allen (yards) | Gap (Jackson − Allen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 695 | 631 | +64 |
| 2019 | 1,206 | 510 | +696 |
| 2020 | 1,005 | 421 | +584 |
| 2021 | 767 | 763 | +4 |
| 2022 | 764 | 762 | +2 |
| 2023 | 821 | 524 | +297 |
| 2024 | 915 | 531 | +384 |
| 2025 | 349 | 579 | −230 |
| 2026* | 144 | 240 | −96 |
| Total (9 seasons) | 6,666 | 4,961 | +1,705 |
Jackson owns the single-season QB rushing record with 1,206 yards in 2019. He followed that with another 1,000-yard campaign in 2020. Allen has not matched a 1,000-yard season but has been more consistent across years.
- Jackson’s peak seasons were early and explosive.
- Allen’s career shows steadier yearly totals and more recent volume.
- In 2026 Jackson returned from an ankle issue and played limited snaps.
Rushing touchdowns: who finishes in the end zone more?
Touchdowns define goal-line value. The two quarterbacks have very different touchdown profiles.
| Season | Lamar Jackson (TDs) | Josh Allen (TDs) | Difference (Allen − Jackson) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 8 | +3 |
| 2019 | 7 | 9 | +2 |
| 2020 | 7 | 8 | +1 |
| 2021 | 2 | 6 | +4 |
| 2022 | 3 | 7 | +4 |
| 2023 | 5 | 15 | +10 |
| 2024 | 4 | 12 | +8 |
| 2025 | 2 | 14 | +12 |
| 2026* | 1 | 8 | +7 |
| Total (9 seasons) | 36 | 87 | +51 |
Allen leads comfortably in rushing TDs, more than doubling Jackson’s total through nine seasons. His 87 rushing touchdowns set the benchmark for quarterbacks, eclipsing Cam Newton’s mark.
Why Allen racks up more rushing scores
- He is used frequently near the goal line.
- His size and power suit short-yardage and QB sneak roles.
- Coaching schemes lean on him as a designed ball-carrier in traffic.
Efficiency on the ground: yards per carry and playing style
Yards per attempt shows how each QB converts carries into movement. Their styles drive different efficiency numbers.
| Season | Lamar Jackson (YPC) | Josh Allen (YPC) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4.7 | 7.1 |
| 2019 | 6.9 | 4.7 |
| 2020 | 6.3 | 4.1 |
| 2021 | 5.8 | 6.3 |
| 2022 | 6.8 | 6.1 |
| 2023 | 5.5 | 4.7 |
| 2024 | 6.6 | 5.2 |
| 2025 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| 2026* | 7.6 | 5.0 |
| Career avg | 6.1 | 5.4 |
Jackson holds the edge in yards per carry, a reflection of his explosive, open-field style. Allen’s average is pulled down by many short-yardage attempts and goal-line plunges.
Context that reshapes the numbers
- Jackson’s early seasons featured more read-option and designed runs.
- Allen’s role often includes sneaks and short-yardage power runs.
- Injuries and playing time affect per-season totals and efficiency.
Key takeaways for fans and analysts
- Jackson is the more efficient, explosive runner in open space.
- Allen is the more prolific scorer on the ground.
- Durability and coaching usage determine long-term career totals.
- Injury comebacks and role changes will continue to shift these trends.
