Jaguars Face Quarterback Crisis in Baltimore
Baltimore's starting signal callers are out, leaving Joe Fagnano to lead the offense against a 10-point favorite.
By Leila Mansour ·
The Baltimore Ravens will send their third-string quarterback to the field in Week 9, a decision born from a cascade of injuries that has hollowed out their offense. The team plays the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night, and the Jaguars are listed as 10-point favorites despite playing on the road.
The quarterback situation deteriorated rapidly over the past week. Lamar Jackson returned from injury in Week 8 but hurt his throwing hand on the first play from scrimmage. Backup Tyler Huntley followed, exiting with a turf toe injury. Baltimore traded for veteran Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, but he is not expected to play.
With the top options unavailable, the Ravens named Joe Fagnano the starter. Kedon Slovis, recently acquired from the Green Bay Packers practice squad, will serve as the backup. The team faces this challenge on a short week against a Jacksonville squad that is not considered elite, adding pressure to a roster that held high Super Bowl hopes during the preseason.
Betting markets reflect the disparity. The game total is set at 39.5 points. Analysts suggest the Jaguars may control the clock with a run-heavy approach, but they could also score frequently if the Ravens are forced to pass often to stay competitive. Derrick Henry is expected to carry the running load, though the Ravens may need to abandon that plan if they fall behind early.
Player props have shifted dramatically in response to the quarterback change. Zay Flowers, who recorded no receptions last week, has an over of 4.5 catches at plus-money odds. He had at least five receptions in every game prior to that loss. The Ravens may rely heavily on him as a safety valve for Fagnano.
Justice Hill is projected to see increased snaps as a receiving option. He caught four passes on eight targets in the previous game, a similar scenario where he served as a primary outlet for a backup quarterback. His over for 2.5 receptions is priced at -117.
For touchdowns, Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jaguars carries a price of +550. He recorded one catch and a touchdown in the last game, and the team may use him to showcase his value ahead of the trade deadline. On the Baltimore side, rookie Ja'Kobi Lane is listed at +750 for an anytime touchdown, a bet supported by his rapport with Fagnano and the team's need for big plays.
