Baltimore's quarterback injuries have sharply changed the betting outlook for its Thursday matchup with Jacksonville. The Ravens moved from 3-point home favorites to 8.5-point underdogs in early DraftKings odds after Lamar Jackson injured his right thumb Sunday. The projected scoring total also fell, dropping from 48.5 points to 43.5.
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, was returning after an ankle injury had kept him out for three games. His comeback ended on Baltimore's first offensive play, when his throwing follow-through brought his right thumb into contact with Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau. Ravens coach Jesse Minter told reporters after the game that Jackson would undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve. He is likely to miss the remainder of the 2026 regular season.
The Ravens also lost backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to a toe injury Sunday, leaving his availability for Week 9 uncertain. Undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano could consequently start against the Jaguars. Baltimore enters the matchup without a win against the spread in three home games this season. Jacksonville is 4-3 against the spread overall and 1-1 on the road.
Other early Week 9 changes include Dallas moving from a 4.5-point favorite to a 6-point favorite at Indianapolis. The Colts are coming off a 42-7 loss to Jacksonville in which Daniel Jones was benched. His status as the starter remains unclear, with Anthony Richardson likely to take over if Jones does not start. The scoring total for Dallas and Indianapolis rose from 51.5 to 52.5.
Cincinnati opened as a 3-point favorite against Atlanta for their game in Madrid. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow accounted for six touchdowns in a victory over Tennessee, while Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in a loss to Tampa Bay. The total for their meeting increased from 49.5 to 51.5.
Houston's advantage over the Chargers widened from 3 points to 4.5 points. Los Angeles remained winless after losing to the Rams on Sunday and has failed to cover the spread in all three home games this season. The Giants also gained ground in the early lines, moving from 1.5-point to 2.5-point favorites for their visit to Philadelphia following a Week 8 bye.
Seattle was listed as an 11.5-point favorite against Arizona, although the Seahawks still had a Monday night game against Chicago to complete. The Bears likewise had unfinished Week 8 business while standing as 6-point home favorites over Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh and Tennessee have Week 9 byes.
The Week 9 schedule ends with Buffalo visiting Minnesota on Monday. The Bills opened as 2.5-point road favorites against a Vikings team coming off its first defeat of the season. The scoring total declined from 48.5 to 46.5, with six of Minnesota's seven games this season finishing below the total.
