The Ravens' running back, Derrick Henry, has struggled to make an impact on the ground lately, failing to reach 60 yards in four consecutive games. However, he did manage to surpass two legendary players from the past - LaDainian Tomlinson and Jerome Bettis - to move up to seventh place on the all-time rushing list.

The Ravens' offense has been a major concern for the team this season, and things don't seem to be improving anytime soon. In fact, their latest loss marked the fourth consecutive game in which they scored 14 or fewer points, a feat that marks a first in franchise history.

A trade made by the Ravens earlier this week may help alleviate some of these woes, with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett joining the team. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be enough to turn things around for the struggling offense.

With several other games still to come in Week 9, there's no telling what other surprises might be in store for NFL fans.

The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to end their losing streak on Sunday with Joe Milton III taking over as starting quarterback. Milton, who has been Dak Prescott's backup in Dallas since 2025, was signed from the Cowboys' practice squad by the Eagles and is expected to bring a boost to their offense.

Milton's arm strength has been likened to that of Brett Favre by Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer, who coached Favre with the New York Jets in 2008. This season, Milton showed significant improvement in his accuracy and touch during the preseason, completing 29 of 43 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns.

Milton's experience as Prescott's backup will likely serve him well as he faces off against the first-place Giants on Sunday. Prescott has had a history of dominating games against this team throughout his career, and Milton may be able to capitalize on that momentum.

The Minnesota Vikings' defense, led by coordinator Brian Flores, is leading the league in several key statistics, including quarterback pressure rate. The Buffalo Bills' offense, which features 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen, has struggled with a high pressure rate of its own this season.

A look at the Bills' performance against top defenses reveals that they tend to go haywire in primetime games. Last season's Week 12 Thursday Night Football" game against the Houston Texans saw Allen absorb a career-high eight sacks.

The Vikings' pass rush is expected to give Josh Allen another difficult night on Monday Night Football in Week 9. This comes after he faced a similar challenge last season against the Houston Texans, when he absorbed a career-high eight sacks.

Allen's history with heavy sack totals is limited, having been sacked over five times only four times in his nine-season NFL career so far. However, this trend may continue in Minnesota, where the ferocious pass rush group could cause him problems.

The Cowboys' defense has struggled since trading away All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers at the start of the 2025 season. As a result, they have allowed an average of 29 points per game this year, making them one of the most vulnerable defenses in the league.

Dallas's poor defensive performance is highlighted by their inability to hold opponents under 20 points, with 15 consecutive games featuring 20 or more points scored against them. This active streak is the longest in the NFL currently.

The New York Jets' running back situation has been a story to watch this season after Breece Hall suffered a quadriceps injury in Week 3.

Since then, fourth-round pick Braelon Allen has stepped into the starting role and made an impressive impact, accumulating 504 rushing yards over five games. This is the second-highest total in the league behind only Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving's 548 yards during the same period.

Allen is on pace to continue his strong performance against the Chiefs' defense, which has allowed just 96.3 rushing yards per game this season. If he manages over 100 scrimmage yards for the fifth consecutive game, it would mark a significant achievement for Allen and the Jets.

The Detroit Lions have been making waves in the NFL with their high-powered offense, leading the league in total yards (395.4) and ranking third in scoring (29.0 points per game). Quarterback Jared Goff has been instrumental in this success.

Goff's numbers this season are impressive, with an average of 280.6 passing yards per game and 15 touchdown passes through seven games. He is tied for fifth in the league in touchdown passes and ranks third in EPA per dropback (0.25), a metric that measures a quarterback's efficiency.

The Miami Dolphins are poised to limit quarterback Jared Goff's productivity when they host the Detroit Lions. The Dolphins' defense has a plan to hold Goff under 200 yards passing, a feat achieved by only one team this season.

Chop Robinson, a first-round edge rusher from 2024, is expected to be instrumental in disrupting Goff's rhythm. As the league leader in quarterback pressure rate among players with at least 100 pass-rush snaps, Robinson will likely get into Goff's face frequently and impact his performance.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-9-bold-predictions-joe-milton-eagles-vikings-josh-allen/

Baltimore is struggling after a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills, where they suffered significant blows on offense. Quarterback Lamar Jackson returned from his ankle injury but was injured again on his first play of the game, while backup Tyler Huntley also fell victim to an injury during the contest. This has left the Ravens with major concerns about their ability to score points.

The Jaguars are coming off a dominant performance against division rivals the Indianapolis Colts, winning 42-7 to improve their record to 5-2 on the season. They have established themselves as strong contenders in the AFC South, thanks in part to the impressive performances of their offense and defense.

Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence has been leading the charge for his team, with a robust running game that is starting to gain momentum. The Jags' running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez have been putting up big numbers, with Tuten running 16 times for 104 yards and a touchdown against the Colts.

The Ravens will need to find a way to stop the Jaguars' potent offense if they are to stand any chance of winning this game.

Rodriguez will be available to play for the Jaguars on Thursday night despite being limited in practice this week due to a hand injury. However, Tuten's status remains uncertain after failing to practice all week due to an ankle injury he sustained against Indianapolis last game. The severity of his condition is such that his participation may not be decided until game time. He played through the injury in the previous match but might be given a break this time.

The Ravens' defense has been impressive in limiting opponents' rushing yards, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry this season. Moreover, a significant portion of these gains come after contact, suggesting that they can contain Jacksonville's running game if Tuten is out or limited. This presents an opportunity for the Ravens to dictate the pace and control the flow of the match.

In their previous outing against the Bills, the Ravens conceded 146 yards on the ground, but it was largely due to James Cook averaging below 4.0 yards per carry. The damage was mostly inflicted by Ray Davis in the final stages with six carries for 30 yards, while Josh Allen also chipped in 30 yards of his own rushing.

Trevor Lawrence is not as mobile or involved in the run game as Josh Allen but can still make an impact as a scrambler if the Ravens are out of position. He has shown that he can move effectively and exploit any defensive lapses, which could be crucial for Jacksonville's chances on Thursday night.

Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence has been a standout performer this season, boasting impressive statistics that include a 65.7% completion rate and an average of 8.5 yards per attempt. He has also shown exceptional accuracy, with 17 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

Lawrence's go-to receiver is clearly Parker Washington, who splits his playing time between the outside wide receiver position and the slot. This versatility makes him a significant threat to the Ravens' defense, which has struggled to contain opponents this season.

The Ravens have been vulnerable on the perimeter, allowing teams to rack up yards at an average rate of 21st in the league. Their cornerbacks, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins, have not lived up to expectations, creating opportunities for Washington to exploit their weaknesses.

Washington's route split is expected to shift towards the outside, where he can take advantage of Kyle Hamilton's excellent coverage skills in the slot. However, this may also put him in a favorable position against Marlon Humphrey, who has been struggling this season.

The Ravens' defense will need to be on high alert as they face Washington and other receivers like Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., who have shown flashes of brilliance despite limited playing time.

The Ravens' defense has been effective against tight ends in the passing game so far this season, having allowed just 35 receptions to players at the position. However, tight ends have still managed to find the end zone six times against them, which could be a concern for their secondary on Thursday night.

Lamar Jackson's absence from the lineup is already well-documented, but it was announced earlier in the week that backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will also miss the game due to injury. Jacoby Brissett is reportedly on his way to Baltimore to help alleviate the quarterback shortage, but he won't be available for Thursday night's matchup.

In a move to stabilize their offense, the Ravens have turned to emergency third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano to lead the team against the Jaguars. Fagnano, who went undrafted out of UConn, has limited experience under center and threw for just 91 yards last week in his only appearance so far this season.

Despite the challenges they face at quarterback, the Ravens are likely to rely heavily on their running game to move the ball against the Jaguars. Derrick Henry, however, has been struggling to gain traction of late, managing just 45 carries for 156 yards and a touchdown over his last three games combined.

The Jaguars' defense has been stout against the run this season, allowing an average of just 3.4 yards per carry, which is the lowest mark in the league so far. This could make it difficult for the Ravens to establish any kind of consistent running game on Thursday night.

The Ravens' chances of success in Thursday's matchup against the Jaguars seem bleak, particularly given their current quarterback situation.

Their third-string quarterback, who is recovering from an injury, will be leading the team on a short week, which typically favors well-rested opponents like Jacksonville. With a strong defensive lineup, the Jaguars are poised to dominate and secure a decisive victory.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ravens-vs-jaguars-how-to-watch-odds-spread-prediction/

The loss of key players Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to injured reserve has left the Ravens without their top quarterbacks, with an undrafted rookie set to make his first-ever NFL start in place of them. This change could provide a significant advantage for the Jaguars, but they must remain focused on the task at hand.

A defeat at this stage would be a major setback for the team, especially considering that a win should have been relatively easy against a Ravens side without their star quarterbacks. However, past experience has shown that complacency can lead to disaster in football, and the Jaguars cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.

The Ravens are likely to rely heavily on their running game with Jackson and Huntley sidelined, which means stopping Derrick Henry must be Jacksonville's top priority.

The Jaguars' defense will need to be particularly vigilant in stopping Derrick Henry's runs on early downs, as this would put rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano in manageable third-down situations.

Maintaining gap discipline and tackling effectively will also be crucial in preventing the Ravens from gaining significant yardage on the ground. Moreover, holding Henry back will force Baltimore's offense to rely heavily on Fagnano, who has already shown vulnerability under pressure.

Fagnano struggled in his last outing against the Buffalo Bills, completing just 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards while throwing one interception and taking three sacks. Jacksonville's defense should be able to make life difficult for him by using disguised coverages and varying pressure looks to force Fagnano into tough decisions.

To generate consistent pressure without becoming overly aggressive, the Jaguars' defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will need to strike a delicate balance. This is particularly important given the presence of speedy receivers like Zay Flowers, who can quickly exploit any openings in the defense.

The Jaguars' rushing attack has been a key factor in their recent success, with Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. leading the way on Sunday. Tuten's impressive performance was marked by 104 yards and a touchdown, while Rodriguez added another score to his tally. However, both players have been dealing with injuries this week - Tuten has missed practice due to an ankle/foot issue, while Rodriguez has been limited by a hand injury.

Despite the potential impact of these injuries, Jacksonville's ability to maintain balance on offense will be crucial in their Week 9 matchup against the Ravens. By establishing a strong rushing attack, the Jaguars can take pressure off quarterback Lawrence and create opportunities through play-action. This balanced approach also forces Baltimore's defense to account for both the run and pass, rather than focusing solely on stopping the passing game.

A fast start will be essential in securing a win for Jacksonville, particularly given the Ravens' likely emphasis on their ground game with running back Henry. If the Jaguars can establish an early lead, they can dictate the tempo of the game and make it more difficult for Baltimore to maintain their preferred approach. To achieve this, Lawrence must continue his efficient play, building on his 17 touchdowns against just four interceptions this season.

Jacksonville needs to capitalize on its early possessions and sustain drives to finish opportunities with touchdowns rather than settling for field goals. By doing so, they can avoid unnecessary risks and maintain control of the game's tempo. This will be crucial in determining the outcome of their Week 9 matchup against a Ravens team that is likely to prioritize their ground game.

The Jaguars will need to capitalize on any potential mistakes made by the Ravens if they want to secure their sixth win of the season. If Baltimore is forced to abandon its preferred ground game and rely on quarterback Fagnano for a comeback, it could play directly into the hands of Jacksonville's coach.

However, this scenario may not come easily, as penalties have been an ongoing issue for the Jaguars throughout the season. Despite some improvement, they still struggle with self-inflicted mistakes, which can be particularly costly when playing on the road against a strong team like Baltimore.

In their previous game against Indianapolis, the Jaguars were flagged eight times for 65 yards, and similar mistakes could prove disastrous in this matchup. To succeed, Jacksonville must also protect the football and avoid giving the Ravens short fields or extra possessions, as even with injuries to its quarterback, Baltimore's defense remains a formidable force.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-keys-jaguars-victory-over-130830854.html

Lamar Jackson, their star player and primary signal-caller, suffered a thumb injury on the first play of Sunday's game against the Bills, which could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the season.

In addition to losing Jackson, the Ravens also lost backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to a toe injury, further exacerbating their quarterback woes.

The timing of these injuries is particularly unfortunate as the Ravens are scheduled to face the Jaguars in a crucial Thursday night game.

The Ravens are facing an unprecedented crisis at quarterback, one that threatens to upend their playoff aspirations. The position of quarterback is the most critical in team sports, requiring a unique blend of physical and mental skills. Elite quarterbacks can elevate entire teams, while mediocre ones can sink them.

A recent analysis by ESPN provides a stark reminder of the quarterback scarcity in the NFL. Total QBR, a metric that assesses quarterback performance across various situations, reveals a worrying trend. According to this benchmark, there are more struggling teams than there are reliable quarterbacks to lead them.

Many players struggle to reach an acceptable level of performance, with around 50 being considered average and 25 deemed replacement-level. Interestingly, some players like Michael Penix Jr. fall into the average category.

The quarterback conundrum is not unique to the Ravens, but their recent injuries have exacerbated the issue. With a crucial game against the Jaguars looming on Thursday night, the team's management must scramble to find a solution.

The Ravens' struggles on the field have been well-documented, and their quarterback situation is a major contributor to these woes.

In Sunday's game against the Bills, the team was forced to rely on undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano after both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley were sidelined with injuries.

Fagnano's performance was not surprising, as he has seen limited playing time this season. However, it is his overall position in the quarterback pecking order that raises concerns about the Ravens' depth at the position.

Several teams have struggled to find reliable backups for their starting quarterbacks, and the Ravens are no exception.

The Ravens' struggles to find a reliable backup quarterback have been well-documented, and it's clear that this issue is not unique to them. When evaluating the value of starting quarterbacks in relation to their teams' chances against the spread, several teams are facing similar challenges.

A significant drop-off in performance has been observed when top quarterbacks are replaced by their backups. For instance, Josh Allen's backup would immediately flip the Buffalo Bills from a huge favorite to a pick-em team, indicating a substantial gap in talent and effectiveness. This trend is not limited to the Bills, as other teams with high-powered offenses have struggled to maintain their level of play when their starting quarterbacks are injured.

The scarcity of quality quarterbacks in the NFL has become a pressing concern for teams. Those that possess multiple talented quarterbacks in-house, such as San Francisco, are reluctant to part with them unless they receive significant compensation. The list of backups this season is underwhelming, featuring players like Trey Lance, Quinn Ewers, and Sam Howell, who, while promising, do not offer the same level of assurance as their more established counterparts.

The absence of top-tier backup quarterbacks has left teams scrambling to find suitable replacements for their injured starters. As a result, the gap in performance between starting quarterbacks and their backups has become increasingly apparent, making it even more challenging for teams to maintain their competitive edge when key players are sidelined.

The NFL's quarterback conundrum continues to plague teams, as evidenced by the Ravens' recent struggles. One potential solution lies in reviving the careers of underutilized quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, who was once a starter but is now buried on San Francisco's depth chart.

Darnold's story serves as a reminder that even seemingly washed-up players can regain their form with the right opportunity. Jared Goff, for instance, has found new life with the Giants after struggling in Minnesota, while Gardner Minshew's recent performance has revitalized his prospects. Similarly, Kirk Cousins' impressive play has made him a coveted commodity.

As demand for top-tier quarterbacks far outstrips supply, teams are forced to make difficult choices, such as mortgaging their future or gritting through the season with limited options.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/the-nfl-has-a-quarterback-problem-the-ravens-just-became-exhibit-a-160758215.html

Jackson was forced out of the game immediately after the collision and the Ravens went on to suffer a 36-10 loss. According to head coach Jesse Minter, Jackson will be placed on injured reserve, which means he will miss at least four games. This news has added to the team's woes following their latest defeat.

Minter confirmed that surgery is necessary for Jackson's injury, and as a result, he will not be available for selection in upcoming matches. The Ravens' schedule for the next few weeks includes crucial games against teams such as the Jaguars, Chargers, and Buccaneers, and without Jackson, they face an uphill battle to secure victories.

Jackson has already missed three games this season due to injury, and his placement on injured reserve will extend his absence by at least four more matches. This development raises concerns about the team's chances of making it to the playoffs with their key player sidelined for a significant period.

The Ravens' upcoming schedule shows that Jackson's earliest possible return date is Week 14 against the Buccaneers on December 13, but this is contingent upon a successful recovery from surgery and rehabilitation.

The injury suffered by Lamar Jackson in the game against the Bills has significant implications for the Ravens' upcoming schedule. With Jackson's condition now confirmed to require surgery, the team will have to navigate a challenging period without their star quarterback.

In the absence of Jackson, the Ravens have struggled to maintain their high-scoring form. Over their first four games with Jackson on the field, they averaged 29.8 points per game and went 3-1. However, since his injury, the team has gone just 1-2 while averaging a significantly lower 17.7 points per game.

The Ravens' performance without Jackson has been marked by inconsistency, but their recent games have shown that they can still put up some points. In their last outing against the Bills, they managed to score only 10 points, which was not enough to overcome Buffalo's strong offense led by Josh Allen.

With Tyler Huntley also injured during Thursday's game against Jacksonville, the Ravens face a dilemma in choosing a starting quarterback for their next match. If Huntley is unable to recover from his toe injury, Joe Fagnano will make his first career start, which could be a significant challenge for him and the team.

The upcoming schedule for the Ravens suggests that Jackson may not return until Week 14 against the Buccaneers on December 13 at the earliest, depending on the success of his surgery and rehabilitation.

Fagnano, an undrafted rookie quarterback from UConn, stepped in against the Bills and completed 10 out of 12 passes for 91 yards, but also threw an interception during his approximately 2.5 quarters on the field.

The Ravens' chances of a successful season hang precariously in the balance as they face a late December return for their star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who will undergo surgery to treat the thumb injury he sustained against the Bills. A right-hand thumb injury poses significant challenges for a quarterback's ability to grip and control the ball. The team must navigate a crucial stretch of games until then.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lamar-jackson-injury-updates-ravens-bills/

Coach Jesse Minter expressed cautious optimism about Jackson's progress, stating that being able to perform and respond well raises hopes for a speedy recovery. However, it is still unclear when Jackson will return to action after missing several games due to an unspecified issue. The Ravens are set to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in their next match.

Despite being one of the most dynamic players in the league, Jackson has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He ranks seventh among NFL quarterbacks in starts since becoming a full-time starter in 2019 and has been plagued by issues that have forced him to miss games. While other top quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have also dealt with injuries, there is a unique concern surrounding Jackson's absences.

The Ravens' secrecy surrounding injuries is part of the problem, as is the high level of expectations placed on the team each season. The culture of silence around player health in the league contributes to the mystery surrounding Jackson's condition, making it difficult for fans and analysts to gauge his recovery timeline.

The Ravens' cautious approach to Lamar Jackson's injuries has become a familiar pattern in Baltimore. When Jackson first hurt his ankle this season, the team left open the possibility of a quick return, even if it seemed unlikely.

This strategy is likely aimed at keeping opponents guessing and preparing for the worst-case scenario. By not ruling out Jackson's participation, the Ravens may be trying to make other teams prepare for him playing, which could give them an edge in terms of game planning.

However, this approach has also created a cycle of raised hopes followed by disappointment among fans. Each week, they get their expectations up when Jackson is listed as questionable or probable, only to be let down when he doesn't play.

The uncertainty surrounding Lamar Jackson's injuries has become a familiar pattern for Baltimore fans. Last week, Jackson revealed that his current ailment is a high ankle sprain, which is far from a minor issue.

This diagnosis may be a contributing factor to the skepticism surrounding Jackson's availability for games. As he himself acknowledged, his playing style can sometimes put him at risk of injury. The team has been tight-lipped about whether or not he'll play this week, leaving fans with little information to go on.

The Ravens' handling of Jackson's contract negotiations hasn't helped alleviate concerns about his commitment to the team. Despite reaching a deal after the 2022 season, there have been ongoing questions about how much his contract situation affects his decision-making when it comes to playing hurt.

The question on everyone's mind is whether Lamar Jackson can continue to perform at a high level despite the weight of his contract situation. As Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey noted, Jackson's unique abilities make him difficult to defend, but this also puts immense pressure on him to play through injuries.

Last season was a prime example of how Jackson's health affects the team's performance. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and missed several games, during which time the Ravens struggled to find their footing. The team lost two consecutive games without him before he returned after a bye week, but even then, he wasn't at full strength.

The implications of this pattern are far-reaching, particularly when it comes to Jackson's long-term prospects with the team. His contract is set to expire in 2027, and he will carry a significant cap hit that year. This has already sparked conversations about potentially extending his deal or restructuring his current agreement to spread out the financial burden.

With the season still in its early stages, it remains to be seen how Jackson's health will impact the team's success. Will he continue to perform at an elite level despite the pressure of his contract situation, or will the weight of expectation take a toll on his body?

Lamar Jackson's injury woes have become a recurring theme for the Ravens, threatening to disrupt their season once again. As he approaches his 30th birthday in January, the pressure on his body is mounting.

Jackson has been open about how his mobility affects his performance on the field, and it's clear that he relies heavily on being able to move freely. Despite dealing with multiple health issues over the years, he has still managed to excel as an MVP in 2023 and All-Pro in 2024, showcasing his skills early this season before falling injured once more.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nothing-kills-vibe-baltimore-quite-220952728.html