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Lamar Jackson at Practice as Ravens Prep for Red-Hot Bears
Two streaks collide in Baltimore this Sunday — one fueled by resurgence, the other by desperation. The Chicago Bears ride into town on a four-game winning streak, their best run since 2018, while the Baltimore Ravens have dropped four straight and are struggling through their worst six-game start in franchise history.
The Week 8 matchup at M&T Bank Stadium kicks off Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET on CBS. Conditions are expected to be cool and clear, setting the stage for a pivotal game that could redefine both teams’ midseason outlooks.
Get the latest odds and live movement updates on the ScoresAndStats NFL Odds page.
Chicago Bears: Surging with Momentum
Chicago’s formula has been simple — play disciplined, take the ball away, and make every possession count. Quarterback Caleb Williams continues to look composed in his sophomore season, throwing for 1,351 yards, nine touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Running back D’Andre Swift has been a major contributor as well, with 419 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The defense has been the driving force behind the Bears’ recent surge. They lead the NFL with 16 takeaways and boast a league-best +11 turnover differential. Safety Kevin Byard III is tied for the league lead with four interceptions, while linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has been dominant with 61 tackles and three picks of his own.
“This is a big game for us and a big game for them,” Williams said. “Having the right mindset gives us the best chance to win.”
Head coach Ben Johnson has his young team believing — they’ve won four straight, including a 26-14 victory over the Saints last week when Swift’s 124-yard performance anchored the offense. A win in Baltimore would mark Chicago’s first five-game streak in seven years and further solidify their reputation as one of the NFC’s breakout teams.
Explore complete Bears stats and standings on the NFL Teams section.
Baltimore Ravens: Searching for Answers
The Ravens’ season has unraveled since Lamar Jackson’s hamstring injury in Week 4. Without him, Baltimore has managed only 13 total points in back-to-back losses. Jackson returned to limited practice this week, sparking hope that his presence could reignite the offense.
“Of course, the energy level changes,” coach John Harbaugh said. “Lamar is our quarterback. When he’s out there, the whole team feeds off it.”
Jackson had thrown 10 touchdown passes in 15 quarters before the injury, helping Baltimore average over 30 points through the first month. If he’s able to start, the Ravens’ attack — built around Derrick Henry’s 439 rushing yards — instantly becomes more dynamic.
Defensively, Baltimore’s biggest issue has been attrition. Star corner Marlon Humphrey is battling both illness and a calf issue, while key pass rushers and linemen remain sidelined. Still, the unit ranks among the league’s top teams in quarterback pressures and run defense when healthy.
Linebacker Roquan Smith, returning from a two-game absence, will face his former team for the first time. “I’m excited about it,” Smith said. “But every opponent on the schedule has to get dealt with the same way.”
Injury Reports
Chicago Bears
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Kmet (TE) | Questionable | Back |
| Jaylon Johnson (CB) | Out | Groin |
| Cairo Santos (K) | Questionable | Thigh |
| Tyrique Stevenson (CB) | Doubtful | Shoulder |
| Noah Sewell (LB) | Questionable | Concussion |
| Grady Jarrett (DL) | Questionable | Knee |
| Austin Booker (DE) | Out | Knee |
| Terell Smith (CB) | Out | Knee |
Baltimore Ravens
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson (QB) | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Roquan Smith (LB) | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Marlon Humphrey (CB) | Questionable | Calf/Illness |
| Ronnie Stanley (OT) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Chidobe Awuzie (CB) | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Derrick Henry (RB) | Questionable | Hip |
| Broderick Washington Jr. (DL) | Out | Ankle |
| Adisa Isaac (OLB) | Out | Elbow |
Full injury updates are available at the NFL Scores and Odds hub.
Betting Insights and Trends
The line opened with Baltimore as a 6.5-point favorite, but the spread has tightened slightly due to Jackson’s uncertain status and Chicago’s hot streak. The Bears’ defensive turnover production has made them one of the league’s most profitable underdogs.
- Chicago is 4-0 ATS in its last four games.
- Chicago is 3-0 straight up as an underdog this season.
- Baltimore is 5-0 to the Over as a favorite in its last five games.
- Baltimore is 6-1 to the Over in its last seven overall.
- Chicago has hit the Over in 4 of its last 5 games.
For full betting analysis and expert predictions, check the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
If Jackson starts, Baltimore’s offense immediately improves — particularly its red-zone efficiency and big-play potential. Chicago’s secondary, potentially missing multiple starters, will have to account for Jackson’s scrambling and play-action looks to tight ends.
For the Bears, the key will be early ball control. Swift and Williams’ short passing rhythm can neutralize Baltimore’s blitz packages, while their defense continues to feast on turnovers. Caleb Williams doesn’t need a shootout — he just needs efficiency.
The Ravens’ defense will be challenged to contain Swift’s shiftiness and Williams’ pocket mobility. If they can’t generate turnovers, the Bears could control tempo and field position.
Prediction
With Lamar Jackson’s status uncertain, the Bears appear to have momentum, health, and confidence on their side. Even if Jackson plays, Chicago’s opportunistic defense and balanced offense make them a legitimate threat to hand Baltimore another loss.
Projected Final Score: Chicago Bears 27, Baltimore Ravens 23
Best Bets: Bears +6.5 | Over 49.5
For live odds, injury updates, and verified picks on all Week 8 matchups, visit the ScoresAndStats NFL Hub.


