Dolphins could be in for a tough 'TNF' matchup with Jackson returning

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Dolphins could be in for a tough 'TNF' matchup with Lamar Jackson returning

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 3:10 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens have been without their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson, for three games. They have gone 1-2 in his absence, with one of those losses being a blowout (44-10) to the Houston Texans.

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley stabilized things after Cooper Rush failed to get the job done. Rush threw for 251 yards (25-of-39) with four interceptions and no touchdowns in two games. With the Ravens getting Jackson back for the matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, the Dolphins could be in for a tough night, as Jackson has owned them during his career.

Lamar Jackson has gone off when playing Dolphins

Before going down with a hamstring injury, Jackson was having another solid season, throwing for 869 yards (68-of-95) with 10 touchdowns and one interception. He also added 166 yards rushing on 21 carries and one touchdown.

In four games against Miami previously, Jackson completed 82.1 percent of his passes, threw for 1,400 yards with 15 touchdowns and one interception and had a passer rating of 142.7.

Lamar Jackson is BACK to face the Dolphins pic.twitter.com/cJ91Kxle9T
— PFF (@PFF) October 30, 2025

Lamar Jackson and Ravens need to use Dolphins' dysfunction to their advantage

Despite the Dolphins winning their second game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, they lost miserably to the Cleveland Browns the week prior and have been dealing with dysfunction all season. The Dolphins' dysfunction could be the Ravens' gain, especially with Jackson returning and the defense rounding into form. Last week, the Ravens limited the Chicago Bears to 16 points and got a sack and an interception on QB Caleb Williams.

The one challenge for the Ravens, however, will be their ability to protect Jackson and for the QB to recognize when to get rid of the ball. The Dolphins have the 11th-best passing defense (199.4 yards), thanks to young linebacker Jaelan Phillips. Jackson is also one of the more sacked quarterbacks (15), ranking 14th despite missing three games.

Given this, the Ravens could utilize the run more effectively. They have one of the best running backs in the NFL, Derrick Henry, and the Dolphins have proved unable to stop the rush (28th-worst, 145.0 yards). Jackson could also be a threat to go off in the running game, despite his hamstring, and show off his ability to scramble when under pressure.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. You can find my other work on Southside Showdown from FanSided and at Chicitysports where I cover all Chicago sports. When not watching sports, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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