Ravens Offense: Lamar Jackson Injury Forces Derrick Henry into Spotlight

The Baltimore Ravens will start without quarterback Lamar Jackson on Thursday night when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars at 8:15 p.m. ET. Jackson's thumb injury removes the primary playmaker from the offense, shifting the burden to running back Derrick Henry and the secondary options in Baltimore's personnel group.

The Ravens face a critical challenge as they attempt to generate points against the league's No. 2 scoring defense. Baltimore has recorded only one touchdown in each of its last three games. If the offense struggles to finish drives, kicker Tyler Loop may see increased usage as a reliable scoring threat.

Derrick Henry enters the game with a strong historical advantage against his former team. In his last 10 games against the Jaguars, Henry averaged 129.1 rushing yards and recorded 14 total touchdowns. SportsLine expert Mike McClure, a professional daily fantasy player with over $2 million in career winnings, identifies Henry as a key playmaker for Thursday's contest.

Jacksonville's defensive performance has shifted significantly in recent weeks. The unit allowed an average of 63.8 rushing yards per game in its first five matches but has surrendered more than 100 rushing yards in each of its last two contests. The Jaguars also allow more receptions per game to running backs than all but five other teams, a trend that could expand Henry's role in the passing game.

Jacksonville running back Bhayshul Tuten is another focal point for fantasy managers. Tuten set personal career highs in his previous game with 104 rushing yards, 55 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He has accumulated at least 87 scrimmage yards in all but one game this season. The matchup is favorable for Tuten, as Baltimore has allowed more touchdowns to running backs than only seven other teams. Buffalo Bills running back James Cook posted 101 total yards and a score against Baltimore last week.

McClure, who relies on a prediction model that simulates every snap while accounting for injuries and statistical trends, has previously finished tied for first in the DraftKings Millionaire Maker twice. His analysis for the Jaguars and Ravens game highlights the potential for high-volume performances from both teams' running backs due to the absence of Jackson.