Bears vs Ravens Preview: Week 8 Showdown in Baltimore
Opening Setup
Here’s what’s interesting about this Week 8 matchup — we’ve got two teams heading in completely opposite directions, and the entire game hinges on one key question: Will Lamar Jackson suit up for Baltimore? The Bears are riding high with four straight wins after an 0-2 start, while the Ravens are drowning at 1-5 with their season hanging by a thread.
For new bettors, this is a perfect example of why injury reports matter so much in NFL betting. Jackson has missed Baltimore’s last two games with a hamstring injury, and in those games, the Ravens managed just 13 total points. That’s not a typo — 10 points against Houston, 3 against the Rams. When your backup quarterback throws zero touchdowns and four picks in two starts, you’re not winning many games.
The Bears, meanwhile, have found their identity behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and what’s become the league’s most opportunistic defense. Chicago leads the NFL with 16 takeaways, including at least three in each of their four wins. That’s the kind of defensive consistency that makes road favorites nervous.
Game Details Box
Date: Sunday, October 26
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: CBS
Current Betting Lines
| Bet Type | Line | Juice |
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Ravens -6.5 | -110 |
| Total Points | Over/Under 50 | Over -105 / Under -115 |
| Moneyline | Ravens -290 / Bears +240 | – |
Quick Translation: Baltimore needs to win by 7+ points to cover the spread. The total means both teams need to combine for 51+ points to hit the over. That Ravens moneyline means you’d need to bet $290 to win $100, while a $100 bet on Chicago pays $240 if they pull the upset.
Line Movement Analysis
The crazy part is how stable this line has been despite all the Jackson uncertainty. Most books opened Ravens -7 and we’ve seen it settle at -6.5, which tells me the market is pricing in about a 70% chance Jackson plays. If he’s ruled out, expect this line to flip with Chicago becoming a small favorite. That’s called “reverse line movement” — when the line moves against the public betting percentage, usually indicating sharp money on the other side.
Key Matchups
Let’s be realistic about what matters here. If Jackson plays, Baltimore’s offense jumps from historically bad to explosive. In his four healthy starts this season, the Ravens averaged 32.8 points per game and Jackson was completing 68.2% of his passes with 8 touchdowns.
But here’s the Bears’ edge: Chicago’s defense has been creating chaos lately, forcing 2.7 turnovers per game during their win streak. Baltimore has the 31st-ranked turnover rate at 16.1% this season. Even with Jackson back, if Chicago’s defense can create short fields, this game stays competitive.
Why Smart Bettors Like Chicago
- Momentum and Confidence — Four straight wins builds real chemistry, especially for a rookie quarterback.
- Defensive Advantage — Baltimore’s defense ranks dead last in most categories, while Chicago’s creates game-changing turnovers.
- Value in the Spread — Getting nearly a touchdown with a team that’s won four straight feels generous.
Betting Recommendations
Primary Bet: Chicago Bears +6.5 (-110) — Even if Jackson returns, he’s coming off a hamstring injury after two weeks off. Baltimore’s defense remains a disaster, and Chicago’s offense has found its rhythm with 25+ points in five of six games. The Bears have shown they can win on the road and this spread feels like it’s giving too much respect to a 1-5 team.
Secondary Consideration: Keep an eye on the total. If Jackson sits, the under becomes very attractive. But if he plays, these offenses could light up the scoreboard against questionable defenses.
What to Watch For
- Jackson’s final injury designation — this could flip the entire game
- Early turnover battles — Chicago thrives on short fields
- How Baltimore’s crowd responds after a bye week
- Weather conditions that could affect the passing games
Bottom Line Summary
The market is betting on Jackson’s return saving Baltimore’s season, but I’m not convinced one player can fix all their defensive issues. Chicago has the better overall team right now, better coaching adjustments, and a defense that creates the kind of chaos Baltimore’s offense struggles with even when healthy. This feels like a classic “bet the hot team getting points” scenario.
Final Score Prediction: Bears 27, Ravens 24.
KEY_ANGLE: Jackson’s return overhyped; Bears defense creates short fields against turnover-prone Ravens offense.
