What happened: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is facing a six-to-nine-week absence due to a fractured and dislocated thumb. Jackson has told teammates he intends to return late in the season if Baltimore remains in postseason contention. The Ravens placed Jackson on injured reserve on Nov. 5 and acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense.

Why it matters: Jackson's extended absence puts Baltimore's postseason ambitions squarely on the shoulders of Jacoby Brissett. A nine-week recovery would sideline Jackson until mid-January, leaving little margin for error in the AFC playoff race following Baltimore's 33-10 loss to Jacksonville. If the Ravens fall out of contention before January, Jackson is unlikely to be rushed back onto the field.

What to watch: Brissett takes over as Baltimore's starting quarterback beginning in Week 10. The Ravens will monitor Jackson's recovery over the next month before establishing a targeted return date.