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    Grant Bricker
    Grant Bricker
    Oct 20, 2025, 17:13
    Updated at: Oct 20, 2025, 17:13

    Despite a winning streak, the surging Bears face skepticism from oddsmakers. Can they overcome a perceived disrespect and extend their run against the Ravens?

    Hopefully Chicago Bears fans didn't get used to seeing the team play at home, because they are starting another two-game road stretch in Week 8. 

    Chicago is now 4-2 and takes on the struggling Baltimore Ravens, who are 1-5 heading into Sunday. The Bears took down the New Orleans Saints 26-14 in their last game and are on a four-game winning streak under head coach Ben Johnson. 

    Even though the franchise is having a successful run so far, it is still being disrespected. The Ravens opened as a 6.5-point favorite on ESPN BET, with Lamar Jackson's status uncertain for the game. 

    Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in the 37-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and hasn't played since. When healthy, Jackson has accounted for 869 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception. 

    The Ravens have used backup Cooper Rush under center in Jackson's absence. In his two starts, he has thrown for 251 passing yards and four interceptions. 

    Although Caleb Williams has had his struggles this season, he too is putting up some good numbers, coming into the weekend with 1,351 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. 

    On paper, the Bears have excelled in a few different areas under Johnson. The offense is averaging 25.7 points per game, ranking 10th in the NFL.

    On defense, forcing turnovers has been a key for first-year defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Allen's defense currently leads the league in turnovers forced, with 16, after taking the ball from the Saints four times on Sunday. 

    Chicago forced a fumble in the 1st quarter, followed by three interceptions from New Orleans quarterback Spencer Rattler. 

    While it can be easy to blame Baltimore's losing streak on Jackson's absence, other teams have found success with their backups. The San Francisco 49ers are 4-1 with Mac Jones filling in for the injured Brock Purdy. 

    The Cincinnati Bengals recently beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 with a massive outing from Joe Flacco. Flacco had 342 passing yards and three touchdowns with Joe Burrow out with a turf toe injury. 

    The Arizona Cardinals have not won with Jacoby Brissett filling in for Kyler Murray, but he has put up some great numbers. He has 599 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception in his two starts. 

    It sounds like the Bears have a chance to prove everyone wrong on Sunday, as the team travels to M&T Bank Stadium. Kickoff is at noon CT on CBS.