RAVENS STAFF PICKS Jonas Shaffer, reporter
Ravens 24, Bears 21: The Ravens are getting a week and a half to fix what went wrong in Miami, but Lamar Jackson’s limited workweek might offset some of that self-scouting. Chicago’s injury situation is also worth watching here; the Bears could again be down a few stars. Ultimately, in a matchup of a team that’s struggled on the road and a team that’s struggled everywhere, it’s wise to bet against the squad with the young quarterback. The Chargers’ Justin Herbert struggled in his first test against the Ravens’ defensive looks. Will Bears rookie Justin Fields fare any better?
Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 28, Vikings 24:
The Vikings aren’t as bad as their record and they’ve been competitive. Minnesota will give the Ravens problems. Defensively, the Vikings are athletic up front and can put consistent pressure on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Unfortunately, Minnesota lacks enough game-changers to win and the Ravens will prevail from having an extra week to prepare thanks to the bye.
Childs Walker, reporter
Ravens 31, Bears 20: The Ravens came out flat in
Miami and never solved the problems thrown at them by an attacking defense. They’ll have another chance to bank a victory in Chicago, where the Bears have been mediocre on defense and erratic on offense with rookie Justin Fields at quarterback. This time, the Ravens will get it done, led by a rebound performance from Lamar Jackson against a less blitz-happy defense.
Ryan McFadden, reporter Ravens 28, Bears 17:
Sunday provides the Ravens a perfect opportunity to get back in the win column after struggling to solve Miami’s blitz-heavy defense last week. The Bears’ offense has been inconsistent under Justin Fields and their defense has struggled, allowing an average of 33.3 points over the past three games. Lamar Jackson will have a bounce-back performance and don’t be surprised if rookie receiver Rashod Bateman finally records his first career touchdown.
C.J. Doon, editor
Ravens 24, Bears 16: There’s not much that Chicago does well this year, ranking 26th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA. Even the Bears’ usually stout defense has been a disappointment and could be missing top edge rusher Khalil Mack and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks on Sunday. The only thing that might keep Chicago hanging around is rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who is coming off his best game as a pro in a narrow loss to the Steelers. John Harbaugh teams usually feast on rookie quarterbacks, even though former Bears first-round pick Mitchell Trubisky came into M&T Bank Stadium and won in 2017. Fields won’t be so lucky going up against Lamar Jackson.