The Week 9 NFL schedule kicks off with an exciting AFC matchup on Thursday Night Football as the Miami Dolphins prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium. The game is set to begin at 8:15 p.m. ET, and with an over/under of 51.5 points, fans can anticipate a high-scoring affair filled with plenty of offensive fireworks. This game not only promises entertainment for viewers but also presents a compelling opportunity for daily fantasy sports (DFS) enthusiasts, thanks to a deep pool of impactful players on both sides.
Among the top names drawing attention are Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews from the Ravens, alongside Miami’s dynamic duo of Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and rising star De’Von Achane. Zay Flowers, another Ravens offensive weapon, also figures prominently in DFS considerations. Importantly, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had been questionable due to a hamstring injury, has been a full participant in recent practices and is expected to play, providing a boost to Baltimore’s offensive outlook.
For DFS players looking to craft winning lineups for this Thursday night clash on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, the question arises: should they consider potential sleeper picks such as Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Tanner Conner, especially with tight end Darren Waller sidelined on injured reserve? Additionally, Miami’s Keaton Mitchell, who showed promise with 43 rushing yards last week, could represent a value option. These strategic questions are crucial for maximizing DFS success and demand expert insight.
One trusted source of such expertise is SportsLine’s NFL DFS and betting specialist Jimmie Kaylor. Kaylor’s credentials are noteworthy—he launched the 2022 NFL season by winning DraftKings’ NFL Showdown Thursday Kickoff Millionaire contest, besting over 355,000 entrants. His experience spans nearly a decade covering both NFL and college football as a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, and his background as a former college and NFL player gives him a unique perspective on player evaluation and lineup construction. Kaylor’s analyses blend insider knowledge with statistical acumen, making his DFS picks highly respected.
Turning his attention to the Dolphins vs. Ravens matchup, Kaylor has recently locked in his top DFS selections, which are available exclusively on SportsLine. For new users looking to get started, there are enticing promotions such as Underdog’s “play $5, get $100” offer and DraftKings’ bonus of $50 in Pick6 credits when you play $5, alongside FanDuel’s $300 bonus bets offer on a $5 winning bet. These promotions provide an excellent entry point for players eager to capitalize on expert advice and boost their bankrolls.
One of Kaylor’s premier picks for this Thursday night game is Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Henry, who signed with Baltimore in 2024 after a storied career with the Tennessee Titans, made an immediate impact. Last season, he carried the ball 325 times for an impressive 1,921 rushing yards and scored 16 touchdowns, maintaining a powerful 5.9 yards-per-carry average. Even as he has crossed the age-30 threshold, Henry’s physical running style, durability, and ability to break tackles remain elite, underscoring his status as one of the league’s premier power backs, with a clear trajectory toward the Hall of Fame.
In 2025, Henry continues to be a focal point of the Ravens’ offense, albeit with a slightly reduced workload. Through six games, he has amassed 88 carries for 439 yards, averaging a solid 5.0 yards per carry, and has scored four rushing touchdowns. While these numbers are somewhat lower compared to his breakout 2024 season, Henry’s effectiveness is undeniable. His upcoming matchup against Miami is particularly favorable, as the Dolphins’ run defense ranks near the bottom of the league—28th in overall run defense and 29th in yards allowed per carry. This makes Henry a prime candidate to deliver a big performance on Thursday night.
Another key component of Kaylor’s DFS strategy involves backing Miami’s own running back, De’Von Achane. Selected in the third round out of Texas A&M, Achane has emerged as a versatile and explosive dual-threat back for the Dolphins. In 2024, he displayed a well-rounded skill set by rushing 203 times for 907 yards and six touchdowns, while also catching 78 passes for 592