The Chicago Bears (4-2) and Baltimore Ravens (1-5) meet in Week 8 NFL action on Sunday, October 26. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The game will broadcast on CBS.
The Ravens are 2-point favorites over the Bears on the spread (Ravens -2), with the game total set at 44.5 points. Baltimore is a -140 favorite to win outright on the moneyline while Chicago is +120 to pull off the upset.
The Ravens will not have the services of Lamar Jackson today, which has led to major odds movement. The spread opened at Ravens -7 and has moved to Ravens -2. The moneyline has shifted from Ravens -340 to Ravens -140.
Let's get into my Bears vs Ravens prediction for today's Week 8 game.
Bears vs Ravens Prediction
- Bears vs Ravens pick: Ravens -2 (-110)
My Ravens vs Bears best bet is on Baltimore to cover the spread. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Bears vs Ravens Odds
| Bears Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 44.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| Ravens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 44.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
Bears vs Ravens NFL Week 8 Preview
The Ravens to cover the spread would’ve been my top pick of the week if I were 100% confident Lamar Jackson's health.
If he were available for this game, this would've been a home smash spot for the Ravens.
With Jackson back, Baltimore would've had its full offense. Patrick Ricard and the tight ends are healthy; thus, the run game should be more productive. It’ll finally look like the offense everyone has been expecting to see all year.
The Ravens' defense will also be healthier.
The defensive line is still a problem, but Roquan Smith should be back. Marlon Humphrey missed practice with an illness but should be fine. Chidobe Awuzie and Kyle Hamilton are both healthy, and with the addition of Alohi Gilman, Baltimore can play more three-safety looks.
The secondary — already one of the best in the league — looks even more stable now.
On the other side, the Bears have won four straight games, but that streak has been driven by luck more than anything.
The Bears' four-game winning streak has consisted of victories over the Commanders, Raiders, Saints and Cowboys — all of those teams were dealing with significant injuries.
This is a Chicago team that was outgained by nearly three yards per play by the Raiders and still won. The Bears are -13% in net success rate over that stretch.
During this winning run, the Bears went +13 in turnover differential, posting margins of +3, +4, +3 and +3 in consecutive games.
If you strip away the turnovers, the Bears defense ranks 29th in EPA per play and success rate. They’ve essentially been a bottom-five defense on a play-to-play basis. This is a bad run defense and a bad pass defense.
In the event Jackson can't play and it’s a backup quarterback under center for the Ravens, this bet isn’t dead. The line would probably drop closer to a pick’em, but I’d still be on the Ravens at the adjusted number.
After a bye week and with some time to prepare, the Ravens’ operation should look smoother even if Jackson sits. They’ll be able to run the ball effectively; Chicago doesn't have a defense that can generate consistent pressure.
Ben Johnson's team is undoubtedly improving quickly, but Caleb Williams still has the second-highest misthrow percentage in the league. The offense overall isn't very efficient.
The Bears have been running the ball better lately, but on a down-to-down basis, they have a long way to go.
Baltimore might shuffle some things along the offensive line, but John Harbaugh is usually excellent coming off a bye.
Historically, teams with a winning percentage of 20% or less that are favored by three or more points against winning teams are 30-14-2 ATS (68%) over the past 25 years. Everything — the trends, the health, the matchup — points to a Ravens smash spot.
Bears vs Ravens Prediction, Betting Analysis
Despite Lamar Jackson's absence, the Bears’ weaknesses up front and their potential for regression make this a favorable matchup for Baltimore.
The Bears' defense is due for a reality check, and this feels like a good time for it.
Pick: Ravens -2 (-110)
Spread
My Ravens vs Bears betting prediction is on Baltimore to cover the spread. I feel strongly about the Ravens even without Lamar Jackson.
Moneyline
I prefer to lay the points with Baltimore instead of targeting the moneyline market.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in this contest.
