The Baltimore Ravens are entering Week 8 in a position nobody expected them to be in. Once viewed as a clear Super Bowl contender, the Ravens have posted an abysmal 1-5 record through seven weeks. Undoubtedly, Week 8's showdown with the Chicago Bears will be a pivotal one for a Ravens team fighting for their season.
Coming off their bye week, the Ravens are expected to get some key contributors back, including Lamar Jackson (hopefully), Roquan Smith, and Chidobe Awuzie. It's not far-fetched to say this game will define the Ravens' season.
With a win, they could build some much-needed momentum to get their season back on track. Ahead of an easy schedule, this could spark a playoff run. Notably, after Chicago, the Minnesota Vikings are the lone team the Ravens play that has a .500 or better record over the next five weeks.
However, a loss could unofficially end the Ravens' season as a 1-6 record is likely too challenging to overcome. In fact, only four teams have started the year 1-5 and made the playoffs; only the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals started 1-6.
It's safe to say that Sunday is a must-win game for the Ravens, and John Harbaugh needs to have the crew ready to go.
The Ravens' season is on the line Sunday
The Bears offer the Ravens an ideal chance to get right. Not only are the Ravens coming off a bye week and should be healthy, but the Bears' defense opens up a big opportunity for Baltimore. Chicago ranks 25th in average yards allowed, giving up 350 yards per game. Furthermore, they give up 137.7 rushing yards per game. If there was ever a game for the Ravens' high-powered rushing attack to get back on track, it would be against the Bears, especially if Jackson is back on the field.
At the same time, the Bears aren't a walk in the park. Chicago has a 4-2 record, and their offense has taken some massive strides under new head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears are averaging the 12th most yards per game (346). Against a lackluster Ravens defense that has given up 380.8 yards per game (30th in the league) and 32.3 points per game (dead last), this could spell trouble.
The Ravens' defense did show some promise in their Week 6 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, giving up a season low 241 yards. Perhaps this could be a turning point. However, the proof will be in the pudding for Baltimore, and the Bears offer a real test for this defense.
Ultimately, if the Ravens have any chance of salvaging this season, they must win on Sunday.