Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season kicks off tonight with a showdown featuring the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Miami Dolphins. Baltimore enters as a 7.5-point road favorite, with an over/under of 50.5. Both of these teams enter this mid-season matchup with just two wins on the year and desperately need a victory here to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Below, we will take a look at the best DFS plays for this Thursday night showdown.
Captain’s Picks
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (FLEX $13,600, CPT $20,400)
Jackson is back in the lineup after missing the last month with a hamstring injury and the Ravens are counting on him to lead a dramatic turnaround to their disappointing year. The two-time MVP was money for DFS managers prior to his absence, averaging 23.6 fantasy points with 869 passing yards, 166 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns through four games.
I anticipate a healthy Jackson getting right back to putting up big numbers and there will be extra motivation with him playing 30 minutes away from his hometown of Pompano Beach, FL. He’s worth the heavy price as a captain tonight.
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins (FLEX $12,000, CPT $18,000)
Achane has been the most consistent offensive weapon for the Dolphins amidst their struggles this year, averaging 17.8 fantasy points per game in DFS. He was a central figure in their 34-10 blowout victory over the Falcons this past Sunday, registering 18 carries and five receptions for 91 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
The Ravens defense have been gashed on the ground for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns this season with the third-worst rushing EPA in the entire league. The lane is wide open for the Dolphins tailback to eat here and definitely warrants captain consideration.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins (FLEX $10,400, CPT $15,600)
Waddle is the value captain’s play here considering that he’s been really heating up over the last few weeks. The veteran had five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown in the aforementioned beatdown of the Falcons this past Sunday and it marked the third time in four games where he recorded at least five catches and 90+ yards.
He’s the go-to guy for Tua Tagovailoa in the passing game next to Achane and the QB will have no choice to keep feeding him to get their season back on track. Waddle is averaging roughly 12 points per game in DFS and I think that he can surpass that tonight.
Value flex plays
Ollie Gordon II, RB, Miami Dolphins (FLEX $5,600, CPT $8,400)
Gordon had his most productive game of the season on Sunday, taking 10 carries for 46 yards and housing a 20-yard touchdown reception in their win over the Falcons. The rookie is getting plenty of reps as Achane’s backup and given the Ravens struggles stopping the run, I’d expect to see him get plenty of touches tonight.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Baltimore Ravens (FLEX $4,400, CPT $6,600)
Hopkins’ numbers haven’t been spectacular by any means this season, but he’s still capable of making a few grabs that will remind you of how dominant he was in his prime. The veteran did catch a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season, but has been held out of the end zone ever since. With Jackson now back under center, I think “Nuk” will threaten to score.
Keaton Mitchell, RB, Baltimore Ravens (FLEX $2,200, CPT $3,300)
Hey look, Mitchell has entered the chat. We hadn’t seen much of the third-year running back this season until last week, where he took four carries for 43 yards on the ground against the Falcons. Getting him more involved may be a key to getting the offense going, so it’ll be worth getting him in your lineup.