The Baltimore Ravens face a significant shift in their 2026 campaign as they prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, November 5, without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. Following a series of injuries, the Ravens enter the Week 9 contest with a 4-4 record, while the Jaguars arrive in Baltimore with a 5-2 standing. The primetime matchup at 8:15 p.m. highlights the rising stakes as the league approaches its midpoint.
Quarterback Crisis in Baltimore
The Ravens’ offensive depth chart has been compromised by injuries to both QB1 Lamar Jackson and QB2 Tyler Huntley. The team is currently navigating a difficult stretch, dropping to a 4-4 record.
Executives Value Colts Running Back Jonathan Taylor Highly
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, teams are addressing roster needs. The Indianapolis Colts are among the teams generating buzz, as they are reportedly open to dealing running back Jonathan Taylor, making this a discussion about value. Executives have said they believe Taylor is worth a second-round pick plus an additional pick.
The betting market has reacted sharply to the Ravens’ quarterback situation. Public confidence is heavily skewed toward the Jaguars, who are looking to capitalize on Baltimore’s roster issues. Meanwhile, other games on the docket reflect similar volatility, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, who remain 3-point favorites against the Atlanta Falcons for their international game at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain.
Week 9 Matchup Outlooks
Other key matchups include:
- Chiefs vs. Jets: The Kansas City Chiefs have lost back-to-back road games. Patrick Mahomes, who carries a 99.8 passer rating at home, is looking to bounce back against the New York Jets.
- Lions vs. Dolphins: Detroit is a 6.5-point favorite, with analysts pointing to their high-powered offense as a decisive factor against a Miami team that averages 16.7 points per game.
- Bills vs. Vikings: Both teams enter this Monday night showdown with 6-1 records. Jared Goff was blitzed on 26 of his 29 dropbacks last week, the highest blitz rate any quarterback has faced since at least 2018, and the Vikings face a significant challenge against Josh Allen and the Bills’ passing attack.
- Texans vs. Chargers: The Houston Texans are favored to win against the winless Los Angeles Chargers.
As the second half of the season begins, teams are fighting to secure division crowns and playoff berths. The intensity is increasing, with several clubs attempting to avoid the narrow, one-score losses that have proven costly throughout the first two months of play. With the trade deadline looming, the standings and rosters of the 2026 season could look significantly different by the time teams take the field in future weeks.
Earlier coverage: NFL Week 8: No More Undefeated Teams, Bills and 49ers Lead the Conferences
Lamar Jackson out for Thursday night’s Ravens-Jaguars game. Baltimore leans on Derrick Henry, with a middling defense ranked 16th in Dropback EPA/Play Allowed and 22nd in Rush EPA/Play Allowed. Ravens +10.5 (-127) is a key bet as they aim to avoid a blowout on the road.
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