Bears Travel to Baltimore Looking to Extend Four-Game Win Streak
Saying the Chicago Bears would go on a 4-game win streak to a fan last year or even at the beginning of this season would probably get you laughed at, considering they only had five wins last season. But it’s a reality, and now they have a chance to extend their streak to 5 against an underwhelming Ravens squad.
Let’s hop right into some keys of the game that could sway the contest either way.
Keys to the Game
Can the Bears’ Defense Stop Lamar?
With Lamar Jackson still questionable for the contest, this could be a situation Denis Allen and the Bears defense wouldn’t have to worry about. However, he is most likely to return and be motivated. This Ravens squad has underperformed compared to past years, despite Lamar still performing as an elite QB. According to Pro-Football-Reference, Lamar has a 71.6% completion percentage, 869 yards passing, 169 yards rushing, and 11 total touchdowns. But this Bears defense has been BALLING OUT. They rank 7th in sack percentage, with 6.15%, and allow the 6th fewest passing yards, with only 1,330 yards allowed. They also have Kevin Byard, who has experienced a career resurgence with four interceptions this year, tied for first in the league. So this Bears defense would need to put a ton of pressure on Lamar to shut him down.
The Bears’ Rushing Attack
The Ravens rank 20th against the rush allowing 806 yards on the ground and 9 touchdowns on the ground. Ben Johnson has taken a lot to Chicago from his days coaching in Detroit including his one-two punch at running back. His running backs of choice in Chicago are D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, the rookie out of Rutgers. Neither are world beaters but their usage elevates their game both combining for over 200 total yards last week against the New Orleans Saints. Both getting plenty of opportunity and carry usage as Swift had 19 and Monangai had 13. The Bears will need to focus much of their offensive gameplan on attacking this weak Ravens line.
Game Time and Odds
The Bears are +7 underdogs with their moneyline at +270 and the Ravens at a -7 favorite with a -340 moneyline.
Injuries
Ravens
CB Chidobe Awuzie Hamstring
WR Zay Flowers Shoulder
S Kyle Hamilton Groin
CB Marlon Humphrey Illness
QB Lamar Jackson Hamstring
FB Patrick Ricard Calf
ILB Roquan Smith Hamstring
T Ronnie Stanley Ankle
WR - Devontez Walker Oblique
Bears
RB Roschon Johnson back
TE Cole Kmet back
WR DJ Moore hip
CB Tyrique Stevenson shoulder
RB D'Andre Swift groin
DT Grady Jarrett knee
OT Braxton Jones knee
K Cairo Santos right thigh
CB Nahshon Wright hip
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga knee
Game Prediction
This game will tell us a lot about both teams especially on how they perform in big defining games. For me I am taking the bears to win 21-17 in a slugfest.