The NFL enters Week 9 with unprecedented quarterback turmoil. The Baltimore Ravens will start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night after injuries sidelined Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (turf toe). Baltimore is also finalizing a trade for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, though he will not be eligible until Week 11. Fagnano, who debuted in Week 8 completing 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception, becomes the second undrafted rookie to start for the Ravens.
Thursday Night Preview
All five CBS Sports experts predict a Jaguars blowout, with scores ranging from 27-6 to 30-13. Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence has been sharp recently, while the Ravens' defense has struggled against elite quarterbacks. Baltimore's hope rests on Derrick Henry, who has averaged 127.7 rushing yards in his last six meetings with the Jaguars, though Jacksonville boasts the NFL's best run defense.
League-Wide QB Shuffle
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Eagles will start Joe Milton over Tanner McKee, the Seattle Seahawks turn to Drew Lock with Sam Darnold injured, and the Cleveland Browns may start Shedeur Sanders if Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol. The Minnesota Vikings could start Carson Wentz if Kyler Murray's hamstring injury keeps him out Monday night.
Week 9 Picks Highlights
Notable expert picks include the Green Bay Packers upsetting the New England Patriots (+3) and the Cincinnati Bengals winning a shootout over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. The Bengals' Joe Burrow is expected to overcome defensive struggles in a high-scoring affair.
QB Power Rankings
Josh Allen reclaimed the top spot in CBS Sports' weekly quarterback rankings, leading the league in yards per attempt (8.7) and total touchdowns (20). Jared Goff and Brock Purdy round out the top three, while Fagnano enters at No. 32.
Midseason All-Rookie Team
The offensive all-rookie team features Tampa Bay's undrafted Jalon Daniels at quarterback, Arizona's Jeremiyah Love at running back, and multiple Cleveland Browns rookies at receiver (K.C. Concepcion, Denzel Boston) and offensive line. Daniels is the only undrafted player on the offensive unit.
Injury and Transaction Updates
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell reported encouraging progress in his recovery from a serious injury. San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk plans to apply for reinstatement from the reserve/left team list. The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced contributor nominees for the Class of 2027, including Robert Kraft and Doug Williams.
