The latest NFL newsletter covers a chaotic quarterback landscape heading into Week 9, highlighted by the Baltimore Ravens starting undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. With Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley injured, the Ravens are finalizing a trade for Jacoby Brissett from Arizona, though he won't be available until Week 11. Meanwhile, the Eagles are turning to Joe Milton, the Seahawks to Drew Lock, and the Browns may start Shedeur Sanders if Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol. Kyler Murray's hamstring injury could also force Carson Wentz into action for the Cardinals.
Quarterback Chaos and Trades
Baltimore's trade for Brissett (3-5 with Cardinals) is expected to close this weekend. Fagnano, an undrafted rookie from UConn, made his debut in Week 8, completing 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and an interception in a 36-10 loss to Buffalo. Philadelphia benched Tanner McKee for Milton, Seattle will start Lock (one start this season) against Arizona, and Cleveland's Watson is in concussion protocol, potentially opening the door for Sanders. Minnesota's Murray is questionable, with Wentz trending toward starting Monday night.
Thursday Night Football: Jaguars at Ravens
All five CBS Sports experts pick the Jaguars to win comfortably, with scores ranging from 27-6 to 30-13. Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence has been hot, and the Ravens' defense has struggled against top quarterbacks. Baltimore's best hope is Derrick Henry, who averages 127.7 rushing yards in his last six games vs. Jacksonville, though the Jaguars boast the NFL's best run defense (no RB over 75 yards all season). Prop bets highlighted include Justice Hill over 2.5 receptions and new kicker Jake Moody over 4.5 points.
Week 9 Picks
Expert selections: Pete Prisco takes Saints (-1.5) over Browns 17-14; Tyler Sullivan picks Bears (-6.5) over Buccaneers 28-20; Jordan Dajani favors Broncos (-2.5) over Panthers 23-20; Jared Dubin likes Packers (+3) over Patriots 26-20; John Breech chooses Bengals (-3) over Falcons 34-30 in Madrid.
QB Power Rankings
Garrett Podell's rankings place Josh Allen (Bills) first, leading in yards per attempt (8.7) and total touchdowns (20). Jared Goff (Lions) is second with 280.6 passing yards per game and one interception. Brock Purdy (49ers) ranks third with a 110.1 passer rating. At the bottom, Joe Fagnano (Ravens) sits 32nd after his debut.
Midseason All-Rookie Team (Offense)
Selections: QB Jalon Daniels (Buccaneers, undrafted), RB Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals), WRs K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston (Browns), Carnell Tate (Titans), TE Kenyon Sadiq (Jets), LT Spencer Fano (Browns), LG Kadyn Proctor (Dolphins), C Jake Slaughter (Chargers), RG Vega Ioane (Ravens), RT Blake Miller (Lions). Cleveland earned praise for multiple offensive picks.
Extra Points
Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, hospitalized after a serious injury, reported full lower-body movement and progress in upper-body mobility. 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk plans to apply for reinstatement from the reserve/left team list. The Pro Football Hall of Fame named contributor nominees for the Class of 2027: Ralph Hay, Robert Kraft, Virginia McCaskey, Doug Williams, and John Wooten, with a finalist to be chosen November 17.
