The Ravens are nearly one TD favorites at home over the Chicago Bears as we enter Week 6. Baltimore opened as seven-point favorites, with the line falling slightly to 6.5 as of hump day. The Bears are 1-4 so far this season, counting two losses by 21 points or more. The two squads have only battled twice in the past eight seasons, with each claiming victory on home turf. Chicago won the last meeting back in 2013, but in football, that’s a VERY long time ago.
The Chicago Bears are actually changing around the franchise for the better as they finally started hopeful franchise quarterback Mitch Trubisky in their 20-17 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Their offense mess will slowly turn around as it was a much needed change the fans were hoping for.
With ranking 28th in the NFL for passing at just below 200 yards per game, and 27th in the league in total yards at 299.8, Trubisky is getting the create opportunities for the offense that former starting quarterback Mike Glennon was never able to in his four starts. There was some flash to the debut of Trubisky as he finished the night with 128 passing yards on his 12 of 25 attempts. He got his first NFL touchdown and first interception in his career.
With an offense that can finally be able to throw the ball, this will lead towards an increase in run production value as running back Jordan Howard should be able to get better looks from the defense. Even though Baltimore allows only 88 rushing yards per game, expect Trubisky and Howard to add new looks to the offense.
It is a very favorable matchup for Baltimore as they are going up against an inexperienced offense that will take weeks to finally click with a rookie quarterback under center. Baltimore is slowly turning into a top 10 defense as they are allowing one of the least passing yards per game in the NFL.
With keeping Trubisky in check, the Baltimore offense will showcase their new ground game as it finally looked impressive in their Week 5 30-17 win over the Oakland Raiders. Both Javorius Allen and Alex Collins combined for 128 rushing yards increasing Baltimore towards 130 rushing yards per game.
Baltimore will also need veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to step up once again as Chicago is ranked 8th in the NFL in ranked passing defense. When Flacco does show up with the right mindset, it’s hard to stop this Baltimore Ravens offense.
Writer’s Prediction
It’s going to take awhile for the new Chicago Bears offense to click as Baltimore’s defense will dial in new packages to rush the rookie. The Ravens pull off a huge victory. Pick: Ravens (-6.5)
