Bears vs Ravens 2018 Hall of Fame Game NFL Odds

In the modern world of football, there really isn’t such a thing as an offseason. Sure, we go for months without a game being played, but at that time, we have the draft, free agency, and around the clock football news to keep us occupied. Paying attention to all that is going on is actually a good idea, as it prepares us for the season ahead and the wagers about to be made. Still, it is always exciting when the NFL odds come up and the players finally strap on the helmet and pads to hit the field, even if the game being played will not have an impact on the standings. Yes, football is back this week, and as always, the ball will get rolling with the annual Hall of Fame Game. This season, it will be the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens who open the preseason, with both teams looking to set the tone early and bounce back after poor seasons. The Ravens come into this one as a slight 2.5-point favorite.

Bears vs Ravens 2018 Hall of Fame Game NFL Odds

When: Thursday, August 2 at 8 PM ESPN
Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton
TV: NBC
NFL Odds: Baltimore Ravens -2.5 (Over/Under at 33)

Last 10 HOF Games

2017: Arizona Cardinals 18 – Dallas Cowboys 20
2016: Canceled due to poor field conditions
2015: Pittsburgh Steelers 3 – Minnesota Vikings 14
2014: New York Giants 17 – Buffalo Bills 13
2013: Miami Dolphins 20 – Dallas Cowboys 24
2012: Arizona Cardinals 10 – New Orleans Saints 17
2011: Canceled due to 2011 NFL lockout
2010: Dallas Cowboys 16 – Cincinnati Bengals 7
2009: Buffalo Bills 18 – Tennessee Titans 21
2008: Indianapolis Colts 16 – Washington Redskins 30

Bears vs Ravens Recent Head to Head (Last 6 Games)

Record: Chicago Bears lead 4-2
Score: Chicago Bears 16.17 / Baltimore Ravens 16.83
Rush Yards: Chicago Bears 140.83 / Baltimore Ravens 94.17
Pass Attempts: Chicago Bears 29.33 / Baltimore Ravens 33.67
Completion Percentage: Chicago Bears 55.68 / Baltimore Ravens 62.38
Passing Yards: Chicago Bears 147.67 / Baltimore Ravens 180.00
Total Yards: Chicago Bears 288.5 / Baltimore Ravens 274.17
Turnovers: Chicago Bears 1.67 / Baltimore Ravens 1.50

Why bet on the Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears finished 2017 with just 5 wins, but they also showed that their decision to draft QB Mitch Trubisky as their QB of the future was a solid decision. Trubisky had, as you would expect, some mistakes along the way, but it was still a truly encouraging start to his career. The sophomore season for a QB is often the true test, though, so it is certainly going to be interesting to see how he does this year. The harsh reality is that the Bears still have some way to go to be competitive in their own division, as the NFC North is home to the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings, a pair of teams among the favorites to win it all this season. The Bears have beaten the Ravens in each of their last two meetings, with one of those wins coming last season.

Why bet on the Baltimore Ravens?

Every team enters the new season with a certain level of pressure on their shoulders, but there are few teams who are under as much scrutiny as John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens. This is a team that has missed the playoffs 3 straight years after winning their last Super Bowl. That championship may have bought Harbaugh a little extra time, but the patience is wearing thin in Baltimore, and you have to feel that it’s playoffs or bust for this group.

Bears vs Ravens is going to be Lamar Jackson's NFL debut.

The biggest problem for the Ravens is the play of their offense, and especially the play of Joe Flacco, who was handed a giant bag of money after that Super Bowl win. The drafting of Lamar Jackson in the offseason is a clear sign that the front office is weighing their QB options right now.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Bears vs Ravens

I expect a game with a lot of mistakes and not much in the way of scoring. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Jackson get some playing time, just to get an idea of what he might bring to the table in the NFL. Score: Chicago Bears 10 – Baltimore Ravens 14