Derrick Henry Targets Hometown Jaguars in Week 9 Opener

Jacksonville's defense faces a familiar threat when the Baltimore Ravens arrive at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Lamar Jackson's thumb injury forces a strategic shift for the Ravens, placing the ball squarely in the hands of running back Derrick Henry. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed over 100 rushing yards in each of their last two games, are the focal point for fantasy analysts. SportsLine expert Mike McClure, a professional player with over $2 million in career winnings, identifies Henry as his top pick for the week.

Henry has a specific history against the Jaguars. Over his last 10 games against Jacksonville, he has averaged 129.1 rushing yards and scored 14 total touchdowns. McClure notes that the Jaguars are currently the fifth-worst team in the league regarding receptions allowed to running backs. This defensive tendency could open up additional yardage for Henry beyond his standard rushing volume.

Jacksonville's own offense has found a new engine in running back Bhayshul Tuten. Coming off a career performance, Tuten rushed for 104 yards and added 55 receiving yards in the previous week. He also scored two touchdowns. McClure highlights that Tuten has recorded at least 87 scrimmage yards in every game this season except one. His production has been consistent, with multiple touchdown scores in back-to-back weeks.

The Baltimore offense has struggled to find the end zone. The Ravens have scored only one touchdown in each of their last three games. This inefficiency has made kicker Tyler Loop a viable option for daily fantasy lineups, particularly if the team settles for field goals. Conversely, the Jaguars are the No. 2 scoring defense in the league, making them a key component in building a balanced roster against Baltimore's attack.

Analysts also point to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as a potential sleeper pick. Thomas found the end zone on Sunday, breaking a streak of two games without a catch. With the Ravens defense allowing a high number of touchdowns to running backs, the offensive dynamics of the game are expected to favor the ground game over the air for Baltimore.

The matchup serves as the kickoff for NFL Week 9. With Jackson out, the balance of power shifts toward the ground game, favoring Henry and Tuten. The Jaguars' defense, which limited opposing rushes to 63.8 yards per game in the first five weeks, now faces a test against a Baltimore offense that will lean heavily on its veteran back.