The Baltimore Ravens face a daunting challenge this week after losing both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to injury. With Jackson out for at least a month and Huntley done for the year, the team is forced to rely on a roster of quarterbacks with no prior career starts. Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie from UConn, will take the field as the starter in the Thursday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The situation in Baltimore has become increasingly complex with the proposed trade of Jacoby Brissett to the Ravens. Although the deal is expected to be finalized within the next 48 hours, Brissett will not be able to play in tonight's match. His first start for Baltimore is likely to occur in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Brissett currently holds a 3 5 record with the Arizona Cardinals this season.
The quarterback instability is not limited to Baltimore. The Philadelphia Eagles are set to start Joe Milton against the New York Giants after Tanner McKee struggled in the previous two games. Milton is an athletic rookie with a powerful arm, but he has never started a career game. In Seattle, Drew Lock is expected to start for the Seahawks following a quad injury to Sam Darnold. Lock, who has been dealing with an elbow injury, would face a familiar opponent in the Cardinals if he is cleared to play.
Other teams are also managing uncertainty. The Cleveland Browns may start Shedeur Sanders if Deshaun Watson is not cleared by the weekend. Sanders, who was passed over by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 draft, would have a chance at revenge. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are monitoring Kyler Murray's hamstring injury, with Carson Wentz trending toward a start against the Buffalo Bills if Murray is unable to play.
Looking ahead to the Thursday night contest, the Jaguars hold a distinct advantage. They have faced top quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow in recent weeks without success, and Trevor Lawrence has been in strong form. The Jaguars are 4 0 when their defense forces multiple turnovers, a scenario that seems likely against Fagnano. The Ravens must rely on their rushing attack to remain competitive, as they are 4 0 when they rush for at least 110 yards. Derrick Henry, who averages 127.7 yards per game against Jacksonville, will be key to breaking through the Jags' elite run defense.
Betting analysts have identified specific props for the game. Justice Hill is projected to exceed 2.5 receptions, as Fagnano is expected to play it safe with check downs. Kicker Jake Moody, making his debut after Tyler Loop was placed on injured reserve, is favored to score over 4.5 points. The low point total reflects the oddsmakers' cautious outlook on the Ravens' offensive potential.
The CBS Sports panel is unanimously picking the Jaguars to win in a blowout. Predictions range from 27 6 to 30 13 in Jacksonville's favor. The writers cited the disparity in quarterback experience and the Jaguars' defensive pressure as primary reasons for their confidence. This decision comes after the panel previously picked the Seahawks over the Bears, a prediction that did not hold up.
In broader league news, the trade deadline approaches on November 10, adding to the week's volatility. The quarterback power rankings have been updated, with Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills returning to the top spot. Allen leads the league in yards per pass attempt and is second in total touchdowns. Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions sits in second place, boasting impressive passing statistics and only one interception. Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers ranks third, leading the league in completion percentage.
The NFL's unpredictable nature is on full display as teams navigate injuries and roster changes. From the undrafted rookie starting in Baltimore to the potential trade of Brissett, the league is in a state of flux. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how these decisions impact the remainder of the season.
As the week progresses, more information is expected to emerge regarding the final details of the Brissett trade and the health updates for other key players. The coming days will be critical for several franchises as they attempt to stabilize their offenses before the trade deadline.
