Who Is Playing Thursday Night Football? Rookie QB Starts

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Who is playing Thursday Night Football? The Jacksonville Jaguars will visit the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Nov. 5, to open Week 9 of the NFL season. The nationally televised AFC matchup will take place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.

The game has gained added attention because Baltimore will start rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano. The Ravens’ quarterback situation changed dramatically this week after Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury and was placed on injured reserve. Tyler Huntley is also unavailable for the remainder of the season because of a turf toe injury that will require surgery.

Who Is Playing Thursday Night Football in Week 9?

The Jaguars and Ravens are the only teams playing on Thursday night. Jacksonville enters the contest hoping to continue its strong run of form, while Baltimore attempts to stop a three-game losing streak and stabilize its season at home.

For Fagnano, the matchup represents the biggest opportunity of his young professional career. The rookie will be asked to lead an offense against a Jacksonville defense expected to apply consistent pressure. His ability to make quick decisions, avoid turnovers and keep the Ravens on schedule could have a major impact on the result.

Critical Quarterback Change Gives Ravens-Jaguars Game Extra Drama

Baltimore’s sudden quarterback crisis has transformed an important divisional-style matchup into one of the most intriguing games of Week 9. Jackson’s absence removes one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat players, while Huntley’s injury leaves Fagnano as the team’s next available starting option.

The Ravens are likely to emphasize their running game and rely on their defense to keep the contest manageable. Establishing the run could help reduce pressure on Fagnano, particularly against a Jaguars unit that will look to challenge the rookie early.

Jacksonville, meanwhile, has a clear opportunity to target Baltimore’s inexperienced quarterback. The Jaguars’ defensive front will be expected to attack the pocket, force difficult third-down situations and create turnovers. If Jacksonville can build an early lead, the pressure on Fagnano will increase quickly.

Thursday Night Football Time, Channel and Announcers

Fans asking who is playing Thursday Night Football can watch the game nationally on Prime Video. The matchup will also air locally in the Baltimore and Jacksonville markets.

• Game: Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens
• Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
• Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
• National broadcast: Prime Video
• Baltimore station: WMAR-TV
• Jacksonville station: WFOX
• Play-by-play: Al Michaels
• Analyst: Kirk Herbstreit
• Sideline reporter: Kaylee Hartung

Al Michaels will handle play-by-play duties, with Kirk Herbstreit providing analysis and Kaylee Hartung reporting from the sideline. The broadcast team will be focused on Fagnano’s first NFL start and the tactical battle between Jacksonville’s defense and Baltimore’s rushing attack.

What Else Is on the NFL Week 9 Schedule?

Thursday night’s game begins a busy slate of nationally televised football. Cincinnati and Atlanta will meet in Madrid on Sunday morning, followed by Tampa Bay at Chicago on Sunday night. Buffalo will then visit Minnesota for Monday Night Football.

• Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons on NFL Network
• Sunday night: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears on NBC
• Monday night: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings on ESPN and ABC

Pittsburgh and Tennessee are scheduled to be on bye in Week 9. Across the rest of the Sunday schedule, CBS and FOX will divide coverage of several important matchups, including Cowboys-Colts, Giants-Eagles, Packers-Patriots and Raiders-49ers.

Why Thursday Night Football Matters for Both Teams

The stakes are especially high for Baltimore. Losing Jackson and Huntley leaves the Ravens with little margin for error, and a home victory would provide valuable momentum during a difficult stretch. A strong performance from Fagnano could also give the team confidence while its quarterback depth is tested.

For Jacksonville, the game offers a chance to capitalize on Baltimore’s injuries and make a statement on a national stage. The Jaguars will want to control the tempo, limit explosive plays and make Fagnano prove he can win from the pocket.

That combination of a rookie quarterback, a nationally televised stage and two teams moving in different directions makes this one of the most compelling Thursday night games of the season. Fans now know who is playing Thursday Night Football: the Jaguars and Ravens, with Fagnano at the center of the story.

FAQs About Who Is Playing Thursday Night Football

Who is playing Thursday Night Football in Week 9?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are playing the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night to open Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season.

What time does Jaguars vs. Ravens start?

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026.

What channel is Thursday Night Football on?

The game will be broadcast nationally on Prime Video. It will also air locally on WMAR-TV in Baltimore and WFOX in Jacksonville.

Who is starting at quarterback for the Ravens?

Rookie Joe Fagnano is expected to make his first NFL start after Lamar Jackson landed on injured reserve and Tyler Huntley was ruled out for the season.

Who are the Thursday Night Football announcers?

Al Michaels will call the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit will provide analysis and Kaylee Hartung will report from the sideline.