Is Zay Flowers playing tonight? Ravens' star WR off to slow start

The Baltimore Ravens are in a true season-defining game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football in Lamar Jackson's return, with a win and nothing else, the only thing John Harbaugh's team needs.

And to get that, Lamar's weapons will need to be on point because a loss could nearly spell the end of their playoff hopes, which already look extremely shaky.

One weapon that has to get rolling early is receiver Zay Flowers.

Already with 486 yards and a touchdown from his 41 receptions, Zay is in good form.

Against the Dolphins, as the offense went three-and-out in Lamar's first drive back, Flowers caught a seven-yard reception to get things rolling.

But the three-and-out wasn't the best start for Baltimore.

More: Ravens vs. Dolphins live score, updates, highlights from NFL 'Thursday Night Football' game

Ravens season on the line vs. Miami

This is nothing new, given Baltimore's 2-5 record, every game has a playoff feel to it, and the margin for error is nearly zero, given there will only be nine games left after the Miami game, for the Ravens to put together a run.

Granted, five of those are division games, which are a coin flip at best, so the Ravens have to take care of business against the Dolphins, and with Flowers as the leading man, along with Derrick Henry, Baltimore has to get the win. 

It is as simple as that.

Playoffs feel a long way away, but a win in Miami, and the postseason gets a little closer.

More Ravens news:

• Ravens' Lamar Jackson gives 4-word message on verge of injury return
• Is Lamar Jackson playing this week? Latest news, updates on Ravens QB's status for Week 9 'TNF'
• Ravens get stunning grade for keeping season alive vs. Bears
• Revisiting the epic Lamar Jackson vs. Tyler Huntley high school football game between future Ravens teammates