Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game preview, best bet for NFL Week 9 on Thursday 11/05/26

Baltimore got one snap out of starting quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return before he injured his throwing thumb. With backup Tyler Huntley also out with turf toe, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano makes his first NFL start against Jacksonville on a short week. Just miserable luck for a 4-4 team already slipping in the AFC North. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for this week’s NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.

Most all stats provided by Fantasy Points Data Suite 2.0.

Ravens vs. Jaguars prediction, preview

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been magnificent, firing 17 touchdowns against four interceptions while averaging a sparkling 8.5 yards per attempt. Head coach Liam Coen trusts him to change protections and check into runs, and Lawrence credits that preparation for his sharper decisions. Ravens coach Jesse Minter will try to scramble those reads by moving defenders after the snap. His secondary has already surrendered at least 10 yards on 29.9% of passing plays, though, and now has safety Jaylinn Hawkins out and cornerback Nate Wiggins questionable with a stinger and illness. Through wide receiver Parker Washington (2.27 YPRR), fellow wideout Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brenton Strange, Coen can attack those openings inside and outside.

Coen may need Lawrence throwing for first downs deep into the second half if running back Bhayshul Tuten sits. After missing three practices with ankle/foot injuries, Tuten remains questionable and a game-time decision. Fellow back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who carries no game designation despite a hand injury, would lead the backfield in his absence. Rodriguez contributed 58 scrimmage yards Sunday, but Baltimore has held opposing backs to 3.7 YPC. Longer passing downs would give edge rusher Trey Hendrickson opportunities against left tackle Walker Little, who has handled two starts in injured starter Anton Harrison’s place. Minter’s coverage changes become dangerous if they make Lawrence hold the ball long enough for Hendrickson to arrive.

Baltimore can make that pressure count by sustaining possessions through lead back Derrick Henry. Rookie right guard Vega Ioane returns beside center Cam Jurgens just as Jacksonville must replace nose tackle DaVon Hamilton, lost for the season with a quadriceps injury. Veteran tackle Matt Dickerson will help fill the vacancy, while defensive end Travon Walker remains questionable with a rib injury. Jacksonville has smothered opposing backs at 3.3 YPC, but Henry should find more room against this diminished front. If he strings together first downs, he can spare Fagnano difficult passing situations and leave Jacksonville fewer possessions to build its margin.

Jaguars vs. Ravens` pick, best bet

Fagnano still has to rescue the downs Henry cannot. He delivered a gutsy 22-yard completion to receiver Rashod Bateman while getting hit against Buffalo. He finished 10 of 21 for 91 yards, and Buffalo intercepted him, sacked him three times and recovered his fumble. Now free of a game designation after his ankle injury, Fagnano gets the starter’s practice work. Receiver Zay Flowers can threaten Jacksonville’s coverage, which gets safety Antonio Johnson back while replacing fellow safety Eric Murray, lost for the season. Fagnano has to find those openings before the rush closes on him. Through Week 8, Jacksonville generated a 39.2% pressure rate, while Baltimore allowed pressure on 40.9% of dropbacks.

Lawrence hit Strange for 46 yards during Sunday’s opening 98-yard touchdown drive against Indianapolis, and Jacksonville added an 80-yard touchdown march before halftime. Coen’s offense has converted an excellent 48.2% of third downs this season and reached the end zone on 13 of 19 red-zone visits. Baltimore’s run resistance and Tuten’s uncertainty put more responsibility on Lawrence to sustain that finishing. I’m backing him to push Jacksonville into the high 20s while Fagnano struggles to answer consistently through pressure. At 39.5, Lawrence’s passing matchup also makes the under vulnerable. I’ll accept the danger of a late Baltimore score and lay 10 at -108.

Best bet: Jaguars -10 (-108).

Projected score: Jaguars 27, Ravens 13.

Best Bet: Jaguars -10 (-110) at Ravens