The Baltimore Ravens travel to Hard Rock Stadium for a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins, and all signs point toward QB Lamar Jackson returning from a hamstring injury.
After missing the last three games, Jackson was listed as a full participant in Monday’s walkthrough, setting him up to start the Week 9 edition of TNF (8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video).
So is Lamar Jackson playing on Thursday Night Football?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ravens HC John Harbaugh said Monday that he’s “very confident” Jackson will start Thursday night against Miami, after the star quarterback logged a full practice to kick off the week.
Is Lamar Jackson Playing on Thursday Night Football?
Jackson has been sidelined since Week 4, when he exited the Ravens’ 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He returned to practice last week in a limited capacity before being controversially ruled out for Sunday’s 30–16 win over the Chicago Bears. Harbaugh said the team ultimately chose to hold him out due to the quick turnaround, but that “[I]t was part of the ramp-up for Thursday night.”
The Ravens are a different team when Jackson plays — and history proves it against Miami.
This season, the Ravens have averaged 32.8 points per game across Jackson’s starts, compared to 14.3 points per game without him.
Jackson, 28, led the NFL in passer rating (130.5) before his injury, throwing 10 touchdowns and just one interception through four games. His mobility and playmaking ability are the keys to Baltimore’s identity — and his return comes at a crucial time, with the Ravens sitting at 2–5 and trying to climb back into the AFC playoff picture.
Thursday’s game will also serve as a “homecoming” for Jackson, who grew up about 30 miles down the road from the Dolphins’ complex.
His last trip there was in 2021, when Miami’s relentless blitz limited Baltimore in a 22–10 loss. The Ravens are hopeful that Jackson’s return, combined with the resurgance of RB Derrick Henry, can reignite the offense against a Dolphins defense that ranks 23rd in total yards allowed per game (344.4).
That’s especially meaningful for a Ravens team that finally looked sharp without Jackson last week. Backup QB Tyler Huntley completed 17-of-22 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, adding 53 yards on the ground in Baltimore’s win over Chicago. But with Jackson back, the playbook could reopen, which might lead to some deep connections to WRs Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Lamar Jackson Fantasy Football Outlook
Unless you’ve acquired another elite quarterback, a healthy Jackson will instantly be one of the top fantasy options on your roster — particularly during a game in which we might see an offensive-heavy game.
Even coming off injury, Jackson’s dual-threat profile makes him an automatic QB1 when active.
Lamar Jackson PrizePicks Projections vs. Dolphins, Week 9
Jackson’s PrizePicks projections are live for Thursday Night Football. You can win real money by picking More or Less on his stat lines and playing your NFL insights in real time.
- 237.5 Passing Yards
- 35.5 Rushing Yards
- 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (Demon)
- 279.5 Pass+Rush Yards
- 20.5 Pass Completions
Even if Baltimore limits Jackson’s rushing workload early, his combination of accuracy, improvisational ability, and explosive play potential make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks on the field in Week 9.
Week 9 isn’t the only avenue to get in on the NFL DFS action for Thursday Night Football and beyond, as fans can enjoy season-long action with PrizePicks. Doing so is simple. Just pick players, predict More or Less for their stats, then add those selections to your Lineup. Win real-money prizes when you’re right.
Stick around here with PrizePicks and the Playbook for picks and analysis all year long.
