The Ravens had a rest. Now they need to get on a roll.
Baltimore will return to action on Sunday to host the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. While the Bears (4-2) are riding a four-game winning streak, the Ravens (1-5) have lost four straight and need to stack wins following their bye if they're going to make the playoffs.
"I really don't think we're too far off," Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum said. "It's just little things that I think are beating us. It's time to get a win."
Here's everything you need to know:
Basics
Kickoff: 1 p.m., Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium
TV: Local TV: WJZ, Channel 13 (Baltimore), CBS announcers Ian Eagle (play-by-play), J.J. Watt (analyst), Evan Washburn (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 82 or 228. For affiliates in your area, click here.
History
This is the Bears' first visit to Baltimore since 2017, and the Ravens lead the all-time series, 4-3. They last met in 2021 when the Ravens prevailed, 16-13, in Chicago. Tyler Huntley completed 26 of 36 passes for 219 yards, playing in place of Lamar Jackson, who missed the game with an illness. Mark Andrews was Huntley's favorite target with eight catches for 73 yards. Roquan Smith, who was playing for the Bears, led them with 17 tackles.
Stakes
Getting their first win since Week 2 would take some pressure off the Ravens, at least temporarily. They haven't lost five straight games since 2021. Beating a solid Chicago team would provide momentum for Baltimore to build on. The Bears only won five games in 2024 and have almost equaled that under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. However, Chicago is in the super-competitive NFC North, where three teams have winning records. If the Bears are going to be a surprise playoff team, they must keep winning.
Storylines to Know
Will the Ravens' tremendous success following their bye week continue?
The Ravens are 14-3 in games immediately after their bye week under Head Coach John Harbaugh. They had extra time to adjust and get healthier, and it's critical that they respond with a winning performance.
Who will win the turnover battle?
The Ravens had just 11 turnovers in 2024 – the third fewest in the NFL. This season, they have 10 turnovers already. On the flip side, the Ravens have just three takeaways, tied for second-fewest in the league. The Bears are opportunistic and lead the NFL with 16 takeaways. No matter how well the Ravens play against Chicago, they will seriously jeopardize their efforts if they lose the turnover battle.
Will getting healthier result in a victory for Baltimore?
Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard is expected to play for the first time this season after missing six games with a calf injury. Smith, Chidobe Awuzie, and Devontez Walker had a full week of practice after missing the Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley also is healthier after practicing fully most of the week.
X-Factor Players
LB Roquan Smith
This is a particularly emotional game for Smith, who hasn't faced the Bears since they traded him to Baltimore in 2022. He's always hyped to play, but after missing two games (hamstring), Smith can't wait for kickoff. The Bears have rushed for 367 yards the past two games, so Smith will be key to slowing them down.
RB Derrick Henry
The Bears are ranked 28th against the run and Henry is coming off a 122-yard performance with a season-high 24 carries. The return of Ricard provides Henry with a devastating lead blocker, and running the football could be a huge part of Baltimore's game plan.
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely has just three catches for 18 yards in three games since coming back from his broken foot. He's a dynamic playmaker who should benefit from having an extra week to rest following the bye. A more involved Likely would be a boost to the Ravens' passing attack.
