The Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens meet on a short week, creating some interesting fantasy football decisions for Week 9. Jacksonville has several players worth trusting, while Baltimore's quarterback situation makes it difficult to feel confident in most of its passing-game options.
Derrick Henry remains a must-start regardless of who is under center for the Ravens, but Zay Flowers is a different conversation. Meanwhile, Parker Washington continues to make a strong case as a weekly fantasy starter for Jacksonville. Here are the players to start and sit ahead of Thursday's matchup.
Start ‘Em
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
Lawrence should remain a strong fantasy option against Baltimore. Jacksonville's offense has been playing well, and the quarterback has an opportunity to put together another productive performance. The Jaguars could even build a comfortable lead on the road, but Lawrence should still have opportunities to produce through the air. Multiple touchdown passes are within reach, making him a worthwhile Week 9 starter.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars
Tuten is quickly approaching must-start territory. He has established himself as Jacksonville's top running back and continues to make the most of his opportunities. His workload remains worth monitoring, especially with Chris Rodriguez also earning opportunities as the team's RB2. Still, Tuten has the ability to take over a game and should be a strong fantasy option this week. He has a chance to approach 100 rushing yards and find the end zone against Baltimore.
Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens
Henry remains a must-start, even with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley unavailable. Baltimore's quarterback situation creates plenty of uncertainty, but Henry should continue to be the centerpiece of the offense. The Ravens will need to lean on their veteran running back, giving him plenty of opportunities to produce. His workload and ability to create yards on the ground make him difficult to bench in any fantasy format.
Honorable mention: Chris Rodriguez, RB, Jaguars
Rodriguez is worth considering in deeper leagues, and he could even be a flex option this week. He has three touchdowns this season and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry, ranking 14th in the NFL. Tuten may be Jacksonville's top running back, but Rodriguez has shown enough to warrant attention, particularly for managers looking for a deeper-league option.
Sit ‘Em
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens
Flowers is normally a must-start option, but Baltimore's quarterback situation makes him a risky play this week. Without Jackson or Huntley, it is difficult to know what the Ravens' passing attack will look like. Flowers also went without a catch on five targets Sunday, adding another reason for concern. With the game coming on a short week and a potential fourth-string quarterback under center, fantasy managers should consider other options.
Article Continues BelowBrian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars
Thomas found the end zone last week, but that does not necessarily make him a dependable Week 9 starter. Jacksonville has other receiving options producing, and Thomas could have trouble putting together another strong performance on a short week. This could also be an important opportunity for him to build momentum with the NFL trade deadline approaching, but fantasy managers may be better off looking elsewhere for a more reliable option.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jaguars
Meyers remains a talented receiver, but his role in Jacksonville's passing game makes him difficult to trust this week. Washington has been receiving the most attention, while even tight end Brenton Strange has been getting more targets. Meyers could still make a play, but his current target share does not provide enough confidence for fantasy managers. There are likely better options available for Week 9.
Honorable mention: Whoever is Ravens' QB
Even in deeper two-quarterback leagues, fantasy managers should avoid whoever starts at quarterback for Baltimore. The uncertainty surrounding Jackson and Huntley makes the situation difficult to trust, particularly against a Jacksonville team that has been playing well. There are too many question marks to justify putting the Ravens' replacement quarterback into a fantasy lineup.