The Jacksonville Jaguars are riding high after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8, but don't have much time to prepare for their Week 9 game. The Jaguars will be taking on the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, a game that would further solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders if they win.
Jacksonville has an advantage going into the game; the Ravens lost both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley for the season, and will be relying on undrafted rookie QB Joe Fagnano to lead the offense. That will leave Baltimore more reliant on Derrick Henry and the run game, and the defense to shut down Trevor Lawrence.
Here are five key matchups to watch.
Derrick Henry vs. Jacksonville's run defense
The Jaguars have allowed an NFL-low 77.4 rushing yards per game, but losing defensive
stalwart DaVon Hamilton for the season gives them a significant challenge against one of the league's most physical running backs. And with Baltimore's quarterback situation, stopping Henry becomes even more important.
Joe Fagnano vs. Anthony Campanile's defense
Fagnano will make his first-ever NFL start on prime-time television, while fighting through an ankle injury and with a short week of preparation. He ended Week 8 completing 10-of-21 passes for 91 yards and an interception. While that would seem like an easy opponent for a defense that generally is very good, pass coverage has been an ongoing issue for the Jaguars. It's one that may be even more difficult with the loss of safety Eric Murray, who is also out for the season. Campanile will need to exploit the inexperience of Baltimore's new quarterback and create confusion and pressure without giving up easy completions.
Trevor Lawrence and Parker Washington vs. Baltimore's secondary
Lawrence has 17 touchdown passes, four interceptions, and a 112.6 passer rating, while Washington leads Jacksonville with 432 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens have Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton, but have also allowed 228.3 passing yards per game. Will Baltimore be able to contain Lawrence and Washington?
Zay Flowers vs. Jacksonville's injured secondary
Flowers is by far the Ravens' best wide receiver, and he has had a strong season until Sunday. He had zero yards against the Bills, and to be fair, the quarterback nightmare didn't help his performance any. Yet Jacksonville also just lost Murray for the season, while Antonio Johnson has been limited by an ankle injury. On a positive note, Rayuan Lane III had an outstanding game against Indianapolis, including a 92-yard pick-six. Even with an inexperienced quarterback, Jacksonville can't afford to overlook Flowers.
Jacksonville's running backs vs. Roquan Smith and the Ravens' defensive front
The Jaguars rushed for 183 yards against Indianapolis, their best total of the season, with Bhayshul Tuten producing his first 100-yard rushing performance. Baltimore is allowing approximately 103 rushing yards per game, with Smith anchoring its defense. The big wrinkle for the Jaguars comes down to injuries: Bhayshul Tuten missed both Monday and Tuesday's practices with an ankle/foot injury, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. was limited with a hand injury. Can the Jaguars continue to be productive on the ground?
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 5 key matchups to watch in Jaguars v. Ravens in Week 9
