Chicago @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 17, 2013 ) Baltimore 20, Chicago 23

The Chicago Bears began the Mitchell Trubisky era at quarterback last week and it was not without its bumps. Trubisky will try to earn his first win under center when the Bears visit the banged-up Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Trubisky went 12-of-25 for 128 yards, one touchdown, one interception and one fumble in Monday's 20-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings but impressed his teammates. "This kid's going to be special and we've got to do our jobs around him, keep getting in the right spot, make plays and catch the football, and making sure we're keeping him out of first-and-17s," Chicago offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains told reporters. "We have a lot of faith and confidence in Mitchell." Baltimore had its season derailed by injuries last year and is hoping to avoid the same thing in 2017, but the team is already on its third starting right guard and has seen injuries at all three spots on the interior line. The patchwork line managed to not allow a sack in a 30-17 win at Oakland last week while opening up enough holes for Javorius Allen to rush for 73 yards and a score.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Ravens -6. O/U: 39.5

ABOUT THE BEARS (1-4): Trubisky is tasked with improving an offense that enters the week 30th in the NFL in scoring average at 15.6 points, and his ability to extend plays with his mobility is a key. "I think extending plays is part of my game, and I think we're going to need that and I think it helps," Trubisky told reporters. "So I've just got to learn when I'm extending plays that it's a for-sure completion or when I just need to eat it and play the next play. It's just part of the learning process." Trubisky could also use more help from a wide receiver group that added a new piece this week with rookie Tanner Gentry being promoted off the practice squad.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (3-2): Baltimore saw big improvements on both sides of the ball last week after suffering back-to-back losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers by a combined 70-16 in the previous two games. The defense could get even better this week if defensive tackle Brandon Williams, who sat out the last three games with a foot injury, is able to return, and he hinted on Twitter that he will be back soon. Quarterback Joe Flacco enjoyed his first interception-free game of the season at Oakland but could be short on weapons this week with wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) and Breshad Perriman (knee) both limited in practice.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Bears LB Willie Young (triceps) was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

2. Baltimore RB Terrance West (calf) sat out practice this week and is doubtful.

3. Chicago LB Danny Trevathan will return after serving a one-game suspension for a hit on Green Bay WR Davante Adams.

PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Bears 17