The Baltimore Ravens andJacksonville Jaguars have met 24 times, with Jacksonville holding a 13-11 all-time advantage. The teams have alternated victories over their last 10 meetings, with Baltimore claiming the most recent matchup in 2023. The Jaguars enter Thursday night's contest as the favorite, looking to build on their convincing 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jaguars will also be without defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton and safety Eric Murray, both of whom were recently placed on injured reserve. Those absences could create opportunities for Baltimore, but the Ravens have significant roster questions of their own.
Joe Fagnano has earned his first NFL startwith Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured. Thelatter will join Jackson on Baltimore's
injured reserve, putting the undrafted rookie signal-caller in the spotlight.
Make no mistake. All things considered, Baltimore is facing one of its toughest challenges of the season. Here are five bold predictions for Thursday night's matchup, one in front of a national audience.
1. Trevor Lawrence completes 70% of his passes but throws an interception
Trevor Lawrence is completing 65% of his passes this season, as he continues to excel under Liam Coen. The Ravens have struggled to contain opposing passing attacks, making this a potentially difficult matchup for a secondary that has surrendered too many yards through the air. Baltimore did manage to force two turnovers against the Buffalo Bills, and that performance could provide a little momentum.
Lawrence should have opportunities to exploit Baltimore's coverage, particularly if the Ravens struggle to generate pressure. Still, he has been known to give defenses an opening when he gets aggressive. If Jacksonville puts the ball in the air frequently, Baltimore could find its opportunity. Then again, one could argue the Ravens may need the Jaguars to make mistakes if they're going to pull this one out. Prediction: Lawrence completes at least 70% of his passes but throws one interception, giving the Ravens a chance to steal a possession.
2. Derrick Henry and Justice Hill combine for 150 all-purpose yards
Jacksonville has made life miserable for opposing running backs. That makes a traditional ground-and-pound approach difficult to envision for Baltimore, especially with Henry coming off an inconsistent stretch. The Ravens will need more than simply handing him the football and hoping he breaks through.
Justice Hill could be an important part of the solution. His receiving ability gives Baltimore another way to attack the Jaguars, particularly on screen passes and throws into the flat. Henry can also contribute as a receiver, forcing Jacksonville to account for both backs in different situations. Prediction: Henry and Hill combine for 150 all-purpose yards, with a meaningful portion coming through the air.
3. Joe Fagnano throws the first two touchdown passes of his career
Fagnano faces an enormous challenge in his first NFL start, but there are reasons to believe he can produce a few encouraging moments. Jacksonville has limited preparation time for an unfamiliar quarterback, and the Ravens can use that to their advantage by keeping the game plan manageable and giving Fagnano opportunities to make quick decisions.
The Jaguars also don't have an extensive body of NFL film to study. That doesn't automatically make Fagnano difficult to defend, but it could give Baltimore an opportunity to show Jacksonville something unexpected. The rookie will need help from his offensive line and playmakers, particularly against a defense that has generated pressure and turnovers. Prediction: Fagnano throws the first two touchdown passes of his NFL career, although his production won't be enough to guarantee a Baltimore victory.
4. Baltimore's defense gives up 30 points or more
Jacksonville has scored at least 30 points in four of its first seven games, and the offense is coming off a 42-point performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence and Coen have developed a productive partnership, and the Jaguars have enough weapons to challenge a Baltimore defense that hasn't consistently stopped opposing offenses.
The short turnaround doesn't help the Ravens. Their defense spent too much time on the field against Buffalo, and now it must prepare for an offense that had the luxury of resting Lawrence and several key starters during the fourth quarter of Sunday's blowout. Baltimore needs a much stronger performance, but the circumstances point toward another difficult evening. Prediction: Jacksonville scores at least 30 points, putting considerable pressure on Fagnano and the Ravens' offense to keep pace.
5. Jaguars unfortunately dominate by a two-touchdown margin
Jacksonville enters this matchup with considerably more stability at quarterback and momentum after some impressive (and dominant) performances. Baltimore, meanwhile, looks nothing like the team most thought they'd be this season.
Fagnano is being asked to navigate a difficult matchup in his first NFL start. The Jaguars have enough offensive firepower and defensive playmakers to take advantage of those circumstances.
The Ravens could have a few encouraging moments, particularly if Henry and Hill find ways to contribute and Fagnano manages to put some points on the board. However, sustaining that production for four quarters against Jacksonville is another matter. The Jaguars have more answers right now, and Baltimore's margin for error is practically nonexistent. Prediction: Jaguars 31, Ravens 17
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Jaguars: 5 bold predictions for Joe Fagnano's first start
