Jaguars Allow 100+ Rushing Yards in Last Two Games

The Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET for the opening game of Week 9. Baltimore will start without quarterback Lamar Jackson due to a thumb injury. This absence shifts the offensive burden to running back Derrick Henry and changes the strategic approach for both teams.

The Jaguars defense, currently ranked second in the league for scoring, has shown cracks on the ground. After allowing only 63.8 rushing yards per game in their first five games, Jacksonville has surrendered more than 100 rushing yards in each of its last two contests. The defense also allows more receptions per game to running backs than all but five other teams in the NFL.

Derrick Henry has a strong history against his former team. Over his last 10 games against the Jaguars, Henry has averaged 129.1 rushing yards and scored 14 total touchdowns. With Jackson out, Baltimore is expected to lean heavily on Henry to break down the Jacksonville defense.

On the Jaguars side, running back Bhayshul Tuten is a key player. He is coming off a career performance where he rushed for 104 yards, caught passes for 55 yards, and scored two touchdowns. Tuten has produced 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 all but eight other teams.

SportsLine expert Mike McClure, who has won over $2 million in daily fantasy contests, highlights these matchups. He notes that the Ravens have managed just one touchdown in each of their last three games. This scoring drought makes kicker Tyler Loop a potential option if Baltimore struggles to finish drives. McClure also points to Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as a sleeper pick, noting he found the end zone on Sunday after missing catches in the previous two games.

The game features several players drawing attention from fantasy managers. Beyond Henry and Tuten, names like Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington and Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers are generating interest. The outcome of the game may hinge on whether the Jaguars can stop the run effectively and if the Ravens can find a way to score beyond field goals.