After a rocky start featuring back-to-back losses to the Chiefs and Raiders, Lamar Jackson’s Ravens have dramatically improved their Super Bowl odds.
Baltimore won five consecutive games after Week 2 before dropping a close one to the Browns — led for the first time by veteran backup Jameis Winston — last Sunday, losing the lead in the AFC North to the Steelers.
Now 5-3, the Ravens are facing trouble under center as well. Two-time NFL MVP Jackson missed two practices this week leading up to the team’s matchup with Denver, listed on the injury report with knee and back issues.
The 27-year-old quarterback sounded optimistic Friday after training, though, saying he simply needed a bit of rest. Here’s everything to know about whether Jackson is playing this week, including the latest injury news and updates on the Ravens arm for Week 9 vs. the Broncos.
MORE: Week 9 NFL Power Rankings | Week 9 NFL picks | Week 9 NFL picks against the spread
Is Lamar Jackson playing this week?
Yes, Jackson will play this week. He confirmed Friday that he will start Sunday morning despite missing both Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions. Jackson said he’s “100%” ready to go, and his status was never really in question.
Lamar Jackson said he was just resting his body. There was never a doubt he was going to play Sunday.
“Just trying to get my body right, keep it fresh.” pic.twitter.com/0ofDB33m4M— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 1, 2024
The team confirmed as much Sunday, as Jackson is active for the contest.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Ravens QB depth chart
| Role | Player |
| Starter | Lamar Jackson |
| Backup | Josh Johnson |
1. Lamar Jackson
Jackson has met lofty expectations so far this season, accumulating 2,099 yards for 17 touchdowns and a 67% completion rate. His ground game has impressed too, with 501 rushing yards and two scores from the line of scrimmage.
He is currently seventh in the league in total passing yards and passing yards per game, maintaining just two interceptions through eight games and only fewer touchdown throws than Baker Mayfield—who he beat in Week 7, 41-31 in Tampa.
2. Josh Johnson
Johnson returned to Baltimore where he served as a third-string quarterback to Jackson and Tyler “Snoop” Huntley in 2021.
The 37-year-old is a veteran journeyman who has made his rounds in the NFL. Johnson has played for the Buccaneers, Browns, Bengals, Redskins, Jets and 49ers in addition to his second stint with the Ravens.
He did not play in the NFL last season but has been brought in as a familiar backup to Jackson, at least to start the season.
Johnson has never thrown for over 1,000 yards in a single season, he has more career interceptions (16) than touchdowns (13) and has only started nine games in nine seasons.
WEEK 9 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Lamar Jackson fantasy football outlook
Jackson should be a lock to start on any fantasy roster. He is ranked third in Sporting News’ QB rankings for this week behind only Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels, who play likely pushovers in the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants.
That being said, the Broncos defense has allowed the seventh-fewest yards so far this season, letting up just eight touchdowns and pulling in seven interceptions for fourth in both stat categories. The matchup in Baltimore should be an interesting one as the Ravens look to get back in the win column Sunday.