The Jacksonville Jaguars have a golden opportunity to pick up another critical win over an AFC foe when they go on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. 

The Ravens were expected to be one of the NFL’s top Super Bowl contenders this season, but things haven’t worked out that way. Baltimore is 4-4 and currently in last place in the AFC North. 

Not only has the team underachieved, but two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is likely out for the season with a thumb injury suffered on the offense’s first snap against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. 

His backup, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, also suffered a season-ending turf toe injury against the Bills. 

That leaves third-string Joe Fagnano to start against Jacksonville on Thursday. Fagnano was also injured against Buffalo, but has been practicing with a brace on his ankle and should be ready to play. 

The Ravens traded for Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett on Wednesday. Brissett had just been demoted from Arizona’s starter to third-string. 

The Jaguars are catching a huge break in what looked like one of the NFL’s marquee matchups when the schedule was released.

However, the Ravens still pose a tough challenge for the Jaguars.

Jacksonville must overcome the loss of standout defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton after he suffered a season-ending quad injury in Week 8's 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Starting safety Eric Murray is also done for the year after injuring his elbow against the Colts.

The Jaguars may also be without running back Bhayshul Tuten, who has been fantastic this season, and star edge rusher Travon Walker.

The key for Jacksonville in this game is to stop star RB Derrick Henry. 

The Yulee, FL, native grew up a Jaguars fan and has been looking forward to playing his hometown team.

Henry would have been difficult to handle even if the Jaguars had Hamilton for this game. The future Hall of Famer will be especially dangerous without the defense having its run-stuffing behemoth.

However, with Jackson and Huntley out for the Ravens, expect the Jaguars to load the box all night to stop Henry and make Fagnano have to beat them.

Jacksonville's potent offense could have a big night against Baltimore's defense.

The Ravens' defense is a far cry from the days of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs. Baltimore is currently giving up 25.4 points per game, ranking only 22nd in the NFL.

Trevor Lawrence is playing like an MVP and should be able to take advantage of a porous defense. If Tuten is unable to go, expect Lawrence to pick up the slack for the offense.

Even without Jackson, Baltimore is still a tough matchup for the Jaguars. Jacksonville is on the road on a short week and is dealing with its own significant injuries.

Much like last week, the Jaguars cannot afford to look past the Ravens. Picking up another win over another strong AFC foe would do wonders for Jacksonville's chances to earn the top seed in the playoffs.

Expect Jacksonville to be motivated and take care of business against Baltimore before turning its attention to next Tuesday's trade deadline.