The Baltimore Ravens (5-3) are set to host the Denver Broncos (5-3) in Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on going into the AFC showdown.
1. Final injury report: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back/knee) did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and Broncos safety P.J. Locke (thumb) and right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) are also sidelined. If Jackson can’t play, Josh Johnson would be the next man up for Baltimore. Devon Key is Locke’s backup and Alex Palczewski is McGlinchey’s backup. The final injury reports for both teams will be released on Friday.
2. Denver’s defense vs. Derrick Henry: Historically, Henry has not had as much success against the Broncos as other teams. In four career games against Denver, Henry has 77 carries for 239 yards (a modest 3.10 yards per carry average) and no touchdowns. The Broncos have never faced Henry in this Ravens offense, however, and the star running back is on pace for the second 2,000-yard season of his career.
3. Last game before the trade deadline: The NFL’s trade deadline is Tuesday and it’s possible that Sunday could mark the final time a player suits up for the Broncos. One player in particular to keep an eye on is pass rusher Baron Browning, who has been frequently mentioned as a trade candidate in recent weeks.
4. Containing Lamar Jackson: If he does play, Jackson will be one of the toughest tests Denver’s defense faces this season. Jackson has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns against just two interceptions this fall. The two-time NFL MVP also has 501 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. The Broncos’ defense will need to keep him in the pocket and count on the secondary to win their matchups in coverage.
5. Bo Nix vs. Ravens secondary: Coming off the best game of his career, Nix will face a Baltimore defense that has allowed 291.4 passing yards per game, most in the NFL. Nix downplayed that stat this week by noting that the Ravens build leads and force teams to throw against them, but he didn’t mention the fact that teams have been able to throw against Baltimore. On paper, this is a good matchup for Nix, and the offense will need to count on him as the Ravens allow a league-low 69.9 rushing yards per game. If the Broncos are going to get an upset win on the road, Nix will need to have a big day.
Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (TV broadcast map). Playing on the road, Denver is considered a big underdog in Week 9.
