What happened: Six backup quarterbacks are slated to start across the NFL in Week 9. The lineup features Carson Wentz starting for the Minnesota Vikings and rookie Joe Fagnano under center for the Baltimore Ravens. Drew Lock, Joe Milton, J.J. McCarthy, and Shedeur Sanders also take over starting duties for Seattle, Philadelphia, the New York Giants, and Cleveland.

Why it matters: The wave of quarterback transitions alters division races as the regular season enters its second half. The unexpected starts give several franchises a critical look at their depth charts ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

What to watch: Fagnano and the Ravens open the slate Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.