The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Baltimore as 10-point favorites for Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 9, a line driven almost entirely by the Ravens' quarterback crisis. Lamar Jackson returned from injury in Week 8 but hurt his throwing hand on the first play, landing on injured reserve awaiting surgery. Backup Tyler Huntley then suffered a season-ending turf toe injury. Baltimore traded for veteran Jacoby Brissett from the Cardinals, but the deal will not be finalized until the weekend, and the team also signed Kedon Slovis off the Green Bay practice squad. As a result, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano will start at quarterback for the Ravens against a Jaguars defense that has struggled at times but now faces a severely depleted opponent.
Best Bets
The over 39.5 points is highlighted as a top play. Despite the Ravens' offensive uncertainty, the Jaguars could build an early lead and continue scoring, while Baltimore may be forced to abandon the run game and let Fagnano throw frequently, potentially creating scoring opportunities for both sides through turnovers or short fields. Jacksonville also has the capability to put up 40 points in a prime-time showcase.
Player Props
Zay Flowers is projected over 4.5 receptions at -114 odds. Flowers had recorded five or more catches in every game this season before posting zero receptions on five targets last week. With the Ravens needing to manufacture touches for their top playmaker, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is expected to scheme quick passes to Flowers near the line of scrimmage to generate yards after catch.
Justice Hill is favored over 2.5 receptions at -136. Hill saw eight targets and caught four passes last week in a similar game script where the Ravens trailed. As a reliable outlet for a third-string quarterback, Hill could see heavy volume again.
Anytime Touchdown Props
Brian Thomas Jr. is listed at +550 to score a touchdown. The Jaguars wide receiver caught a touchdown on his only reception last week, and with the trade deadline approaching, Jacksonville may feature him early to boost his trade value.
Ravens rookie Ja'Kobi Lane is offered at +700. Lane impressed in training camp and has a rapport with Fagnano from their time together on the depth chart. In a "kitchen sink" offensive approach, a small wager on Lane could pay off if Baltimore gets creative in the red zone.
