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Here we are. It’s late December. The snow has fallen and the Ravens have a big game this afternoon at M & T Bank Stadium against the travel-weary Chicago Bears.

The Bears, who have been turnover-prone underachievers, arrived in Baltimore last evening after being delayed by the big storm that hit the region on Friday night.

The Ravens are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since September and are trying to get to the post-season for the second consecutive season.

Baltimore , who was dominant last week in crushing the Detroit Lions, should be able to handle their business this afternoon against another NFC North opponent.

Bears QB Jay Cutler has a cannon arm and a tendency to throw interceptions. If he gets off to a hot start, it could mean trouble for the Ravens defense. If he gets rattled early, he may not be much of a factor.

I’m thinking the latter will happen.

The Bears will also have a hard time trying to run the ball against Baltimore’s defense. The Ravens may not be the impenetrable wall that they used to be against the run. But they’re good enough and they’ll stop Chicago.

On the other side of the ball, the Ravens should have success running the ball against the Bears. Chicago rates 25th in the NFL against the run, so look for Ray Rice and crew to move the chains.

Joe Flacco bounced back from his terrible game against the Green Bay Packers with a solid game against the Lions. I expect more of the same from him this afternoon.

As long as the Ravens avoid turnovers and getting penalized multiple ( like 12) times, they should be fine.

The march to the playoffs continues.

Ravens will win, 23-9.

Enjoy the game.

BH