Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson continues to bet on himself, which has propelled his team to the verge of securing the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed. The Ravens can clinch the top spot with a victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jackson expressed his unwavering self-confidence, emphasizing that he has something to prove to himself. Throughout his career, Jackson has defied outside expectations and followed his own path. He made decisive choices that reflected his determination to play quarterback, starting from his commitment to playing solely as a quarterback at Louisville. He also rejected suggestions to transition to wide receiver and opted to sign with a non-traditional agent.

Jackson's unconventional approach has paid off repeatedly. In 2018, he slid to the final pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, joining the Ravens and vowing to deliver a Super Bowl. Most recently, he pushed his contract negotiations to the limit, briefly becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history.

The Ravens' quarterback has consistently backed himself, often misunderstood as an attempt to prove others wrong. However, Jackson's self-belief stems from an inner drive to excel. This mindset has characterized his journey, proving that he can achieve greatness by his own standards.

As the Ravens prepare for a crucial matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Jackson's self-assuredness takes center stage. His success story has been primarily about his personal growth and continuous improvement. By securing a win on Sunday, Baltimore would not only secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC but also strengthen Jackson's case for the league's MVP award. These accomplishments would speak volumes about his abilities to the outside world, but Jackson's ultimate goal is to validate himself.

Throughout this season, we have witnessed Jackson's remarkable development. It is evident that he should not have been overlooked as the fifth quarterback selected in the 2018 draft, trailing behind Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. Jackson's talents were undervalued, as proven by the lack of interest from other teams in acquiring him. The Atlanta Falcons, who run an offense suited to Jackson's style, and the New England Patriots, who had a favorable view of him in the draft, missed an opportunity to acquire a game-changing player.

However, the Baltimore Ravens recognized Jackson's worth and built their offense around him. The results have been exceptional, as Jackson has emerged as a well-rounded quarterback capable of winning games with both his arm and his legs.

Not only have his peers acknowledged his growth, but opposing coaches have also commended Jackson's determination and perseverance. Coaches from the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Rams have all taken note of his progress, emphasizing his evolution as a complete player.

Jackson's success extends beyond football strategy. He has made lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet and dedicating himself to the weight room, resulting in improved strength and endurance. His former teammate, Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott, attests to his transformation, noting Jackson's increased commitment to self-care and leadership.

The upcoming game against the Dolphins will put Jackson's abilities to the test once again. Miami, like other teams, will attempt to contain him, but the Ravens' quarterback has proven time and again that he cannot be stopped. A victory on Sunday would further solidify his MVP campaign and establish the Ravens as the clear frontrunners for the Super Bowl, despite persistent doubts.

"I believe we've got a bunch of guys who've been doubted, a bunch of guys who've got things to prove - on our team - on both sides of the ball," Jackson expressed. "So, I believe anytime we're the underdogs, we're going to always rise to the occasion. But we've got to stay locked in to do that...We're the underdogs."

As the Ravens march towards the postseason, Lamar Jackson's unwavering self-belief continues to be the driving force behind their success.