Between the Lamar Jackson injury concern and Atlanta’s statement win on Monday night, the Ravens are suddenly looking at Week 5 from an unfamiliar spot: as underdogs.
Baltimore opened as the favorite for its trip to Atlanta right after beating the Titans on Sunday afternoon. But the Falcons’ 45-24 rout of the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football changed the picture fast, and Tuesday morning’s negative update on Jackson pushed the line the other way. Per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Ravens are now three-point underdogs for the first time this season.
That’s a notable shift for a Ravens team that was outscored 14-0 by Tennessee after Jackson left the game in the second half. Tyler Huntley has pulled off gritty wins before, but the setup this time looks far less forgiving: a battered offensive line, no top blocking tight end Durham Smythe, and a Falcons defense that has been excellent against the run.
Atlanta, meanwhile, comes in with an offense that looked comfortable moving the ball at will against New Orleans. Bijan Robinson has been unstoppable so far this year - and, for that matter, so was Brian Robinson Jr. in New Orleans.
Baltimore’s injury concerns may not stop there. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey exited Sunday’s game with a calf injury, and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson could need more time after finger surgery.
Put it together, and this feels like a difficult spot for the Ravens. At this point in the season, simply getting out of Atlanta healthy might matter more than the result itself.
A 3-2 record is manageable. More hits to key players are not.
In Other News...
Falcons Just Added Backfield Depth Fans May Want To Track
The Falcons added another name to the backfield mix this week, signing running back Jam Miller to the practice squad while moving on from Cash Jones to clear the roster spot. It is the kind of small transaction that can matter later, especially for a team that keeps an eye on depth at running back throughout the season.
Miller arrives with an unusual backstory for a midseason addition. He was originally drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but an injury led to his release before the season began. After working his way back, he reportedly stood out in a workout for Atlanta and now gets a chance to show whether that look can turn into something more. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Domecoming Disaster Got Even More Disturbing In The Stands
The Falcons left the Caesars Superdome with a lopsided win, but the day carried a heavier emotional backdrop than a normal rivalry game. The matchup marked 20 years since the first Saints game back after Hurricane Katrina, and instead of a celebratory homecoming, the building turned tense as New Orleans absorbed a 45-24 loss and slid to 1-3 on the season.
The unease in the stands only added to the mood. During the game, a Saints fan fell on the steep steps in the 600 level, though he appeared conscious and was helped by nearby fans, a jarring scene inside a stadium that was already hearing plenty of frustration from the home crowd. The Saints are still winless at home, and after another rough afternoon, the pressure around the team is starting to feel as loud as the disappointment in the seats. [Read more 🡒]
Drake London Said Exactly What Falcons Fans Love About Beating The Saints
The Falcons had the Saints in a familiar spot by halftime, up 24-7 and well in control, but the lead only kept growing from there. By the end of the game, Atlanta had pushed the margin to 31 points, a reminder that this rivalry still carries plenty of edge when the Falcons get rolling.
Drake London was right in the middle of it, finishing with five catches for 96 yards and again looking like one of Michael Penix Jr.'s most reliable targets. He also spoke to the extra motivation behind Atlanta's continued push to score, tying it back to a previous Saints moment involving Jameis Winston, which only added another layer to a win Falcons fans will happily savor. [Read more 🡒]