Lamar Jackson’s hamstring injury has flipped the Week 5 odds. The Houston Texans are now slight favorites over the Baltimore Ravens. The status change arrived after new reports suggested Jackson is likely out this week.
Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Jackson could not return in Week 4. He stressed that Jackson would have played if he could. That comment signaled real concern about the injury timeline.
Latest Lamar Jackson Injury Update and What It Means
Jackson exited in the third quarter of a 37–20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Initial updates called his status “uncertain.” By Tuesday, multiple reports indicated he is expected to miss Week 5. The opponent is the Texans. The venue is Baltimore. The stakes are high for two 1–3 teams.
The reported plan points to veteran Cooper Rush taking first-team reps. Tyler Huntley remains in the room as depth. Rush signed a two-year deal in the offseason to back up Jackson. The move was designed for exactly this scenario.
Oddsmakers adjusted fast. The Ravens opened as clear favorites. The line moved through key numbers as Jackson’s status worsened. Markets now show the Texans as small road favorites. That is a major swing for a quarterback-driven league.
Jackson has been efficient through four games. He has 869 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception. He has also added rushing production and red-zone threat value. His absence changes Baltimore’s identity on offense.
The defense has its own issues. Injuries have piled up at corner and linebacker. Baltimore’s efficiency metrics have slipped. Field position and third-down defense have also suffered. Those factors magnify the impact of losing an MVP-caliber quarterback.
How the Odds Shift Affects Week 5
Books respond to quarterback news first. Lamar Jackson can move a spread by a field goal or more. This week, the move is bigger. The swing from Ravens -7 to Texans -1.5 reflects both the injury and roster attrition.
Expect Baltimore to lean on structure. More quick game. More play-action under center. More designed touches for tight ends and backs. The goal is to keep down-and-distance manageable for Rush. Avoid obvious passing downs. Limit turnovers.
Houston gains a tactical edge. The Texans’ pass rush can play faster with a lead. The secondary can vary shells and break late on routes. C.J. Stroud only needs steady, mistake-free drives. Short fields help. So does a balanced script that reduces third-and-long.
There are macro implications too. The AFC playoff picture is tight. A 1–4 start is a deep hole. Baltimore’s early schedule has been brutal. But that will not matter if the losses keep stacking. The bye in Week 7 could be the soft target for a Jackson return.
The bottom line is simple. The latest Lamar Jackson injury update has turned the betting board upside down. Baltimore’s path now depends on defense, special teams, and a clean game from Cooper Rush. The Texans have the momentum edge until Jackson is back.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What is the latest Lamar Jackson injury update?
He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4. Reports indicate he is likely to miss Week 5. The team has not announced a definitive long-term timeline.
Q2: How much did the odds move after the injury?
The spread shifted from Ravens -7 early to Texans -1.5. That is an 8.5-point swing. It reflects Jackson’s high value to the spread.
Q3: Who would start if Jackson sits?
Veteran Cooper Rush is the expected starter. Tyler Huntley provides depth. Baltimore signed Rush in March to be QB2.
Q4: What does it mean for the AFC playoff race?
A loss would drop Baltimore to 1–4. The margin for error would be thin. A Week 7 bye could help reset if Jackson returns healthy.
Q5: What are Jackson’s 2025 stats so far?
Through four games he has 869 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and one interception. He has also added rushing production and a score on the ground.
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