Jaguairs Seek Fifth Win in Six Games as Ravens Drop to Third-String QB

The Baltimore Ravens will start third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano on Thursday night, a move necessitated by thumb and toe injuries that sideline franchise starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Ravens enter the contest as 10-point home underdogs, a line that reflects their recent struggles on the field.

Baltimore has lost three consecutive games, falling from a 4-1 start to a current record that leaves them chasing the division. Fagnano made his NFL debut last week in a loss to Buffalo. He is expected to take the field again tonight, managing a team that has seen its passing attack falter recently. The team is projected to lean on a simplified game plan that emphasizes running back Derrick Henry and tight end Mark Andrews.

The Jacksonville Jaguars arrive in Maryland with a 5-2 record and a commanding lead in the AFC South. They are the only team in the NFL leading their division by at least three games. The Jaguars secured a decisive 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in their previous outing. That win extended their recent streak, which includes back-to-back Thursday Night Football victories.

Jacksonville has posted a 14-3 record in its last 17 games. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence leads the NFL in passer rating this season. He also holds the team record for the most touchdown passes in the first seven weeks, with seven on the board. During the win over Indianapolis, running back Bhayshul Tuten rushed for over 100 yards, caught for over 50 yards, and scored two touchdowns. He is the first Jaguars player to achieve that stat line since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2007.

Betting experts see value in the Ravens despite the injury report. SportsLine analyst Jeff Hochman recommends betting on Baltimore at plus 10. He points out that Jacksonville ranks last in Run-Stop-Win Rate. Key defenders are also affected by injuries, with nose tackle Davon Hamilton out and edge rusher Travon Walker playing through an issue. Hochman notes that Lawrence has a passer rating of 89.9 on the road compared to 120.6 at home this season.

The Jaguars have not played on the road in a month. This is also their first short week in a while, factors Hochman believes favor the focused Ravens. He expects Baltimore to use quick screens to wide receiver Zay Flowers to exploit Jacksonville's defensive gaps. The total points line for the game is set at 40, suggesting an expectation of high scoring despite Baltimore's recent offensive woes.

Another betting angle involves Ravens running back Justice Hill. Expert R.J. White suggests Hill can clear the 11.5 receiving yards over line. Hill had eight targets last week when Fagnano attempted 25 passes. He finished that game with three catches for 26 yards. That marks his fifth consecutive game with at least three targets. White expects a few checkdown passes to keep Hill active, potentially giving him a strong chance to reach 20 receiving yards for a third straight game.