This Sunday morning, the Jacksonville Jaguars will face off against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The Jaguars are struggling this season with a 1-4 record, but they recently celebrated their first win, edging out the Indianapolis Colts 37-34. Meanwhile, the Bears are seeing a promising start with a 3-2 record, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who guided the team to a decisive 36-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers last week. Fans can expect kickoff at 9:30 am EST.
Jaguars Eager for Consistency
The Jaguars’ quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, received a birthday gift that he won’t soon forget. On his 25th birthday, he led the team to their first victory of the season, breaking a four-game losing streak. A last-minute 49-yard field goal by Cam Little secured the win, marking the Jaguars’ 10th consecutive victory over the Colts at home.
“I kind of know we don’t lose to them, so I’m like, ‘Good timing, good timing,'” Jags defensive end Josh Hines-Allen remarked.
In this thrilling game, Lawrence completed 28 out of 35 passes for 371 yards, tossing two touchdowns alongside one interception. Running back Tank Bigsby made a significant impact, rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas also shined, catching five passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Jaguars racked up 497 yards of total offense, although their defense allowed 447 yards, including 348 in the air. Travon Walker excelled defensively, contributing three sacks.
The Jaguars are no strangers to the London games, having made this trip 11 times before. This familiarity could offer them an edge in travel fatigue over the Bears. Currently, the Jaguars rank 15th in total offense, second in rushing, and 22nd in passing. However, they struggle to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, ranking 24th in that category. On defense, Jacksonville is facing challenges, sitting at 31st in total defense and near the bottom in both pass and run defense.
Key Injuries: WR Devin Duvernay is out. S Darnell Savage, TE Evan Engram, RB Travis Etienne Jr., and WR Gabe Davis are questionable.
Bears Roaring with Confidence
The Chicago Bears entered the season with high expectations, bolstered by key veteran signings and the acquisition of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. After a rocky start, the Bears seem to be finding their rhythm, winning their last two games, including a commanding 36-10 win against the Carolina Panthers. In this game, Williams showcased his potential, passing for over 300 yards, marking a significant step in his development.
“He’s just learning and growing, and you can see that in these games that we’ve had,” coach Matt Eberflus stated. “He knows that. So he’s just got to level up, keep leveling up, and every time we’ve challenged him, he’s done that ever since the summer.”
The Bears’ offense amassed 424 yards and secured 24 first downs during their latest win. Williams completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Running back D’Andre Swift continued his strong performance with 73 rushing yards and a touchdown, while backup Roschon Johnson added two rushing touchdowns. DJ Moore, facing his former team, caught five passes for 105 yards and a score. Defensively, Chicago limited the Panthers to just 292 total yards and recovered two fumbles while also securing an interception from Kevin Byard III.
Entering the London matchup, the Bears are on a two-game winning streak, and Williams is gaining confidence as a quarterback. Despite currently ranking 26th in total offense, they excel in converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, placing 11th in the NFL. The Bears’ defense has been impressive this season, ranking 7th overall, 22nd against the run, and 6th against the pass. They have also shown discipline, ranking 19th in penalties per game.
Key Injuries: S Jaquan Brisker, CB Terell Smith, and DE Jacob Martin are out. CB Tyrique Stevenson is doubtful. G Teven Jenkins is questionable.
Betting Insights for Jaguars vs. Bears
The Jaguars’ experience in London could provide them with an advantage as they prepare for this matchup. However, the Bears have shown formidable defensive skills this season, and their offensive unit is starting to click. With Williams passing for over 300 yards last week, he appears more comfortable and poised in the pocket. The return of WR Keenan Allen will bolster the Bears’ offense, complemented by Swift’s improved running game.
The Jaguars’ defense has struggled, currently ranked 31st in total defense, making them vulnerable to the Bears’ aggressive offense. Furthermore, the Jaguars have difficulty maintaining possession, sitting at 30th in the NFL for time of possession. The Bears’ defense has been aggressive, leading to multiple turnovers and ranking fourth in turnover margin. If the Jaguars are without leading rusher Etienne Jr., their offensive challenges will be amplified. Expect Williams to continue building his confidence, leading the Bears to a potential third consecutive victory.
