Lamar Jackson Says 'It's Do or Die' for Ravens After Win vs. Tua, Dolphins

Lamar Jackson is ready to look at every game as a must-win after returning from injury Thursday to help the Baltimore Ravens claim their third victory of the 2025 season with a 28-6 Week 9 triumph over Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins.

"It's do or die, win or go home," Jackson said Thursday night. "Usually, we start off winning games, we never be behind.

"But right now, we're behind, and we've all got to step it up."

Jackson went 18-of-23 for 204 yards while throwing four touchdown passes in his return from a three game injury absence.

The win helped the Ravens improve to 3-5, putting the team just one win behind the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3).

The Ravens have five games remaining against division opponents, including two against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Winning those matchups could be enough to get Jackson and his team back in the playoff picture.

▶️ Full Ravens-Dolphins Recap

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The Ravens' hopes of challenging the Steelers at the top of the AFC North are much higher now that Jackson is back from the hamstring injury he suffered in a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With Jackson on the sideline, the Ravens lost two straight games with Cooper Rush under center before turning to Tyler Huntley after a Week 7 bye.

Huntley helped keep the Ravens' postseason hopes afloat by helping his team claim a Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears.

He will now be able to make his argument to serve as the Ravens' top backup behind Jackson as Baltimore settles back in with their two-time NFL MVP back under center.

Thanks in part to Huntley and Jackson, the Ravens have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season. The team will look to build on that momentum during the long week off before taking on the Minnesota Vikings in a road game on Sunday, Nov. 9.

The most crucial stretch for Baltimore will begin in late November, when the Ravens play the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals twice each. The Ravens will need Jackson to stay healthy this winter for their best shot at winning out and toppling Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers from the top of the division standings.