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As Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season approaches, all eyes are on the international showdown between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Chicago Bears, set to take place at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This is the Jaguars’ 12th trip to London, making them the most seasoned team in international play, while the Bears, holding a 3-2 record, seek to capitalize on their strong start. Let’s dive into game predictions, key betting trends, and what experts are saying.
Game Overview: Jaguars’ London Experience vs. Bears’ Momentum
The Jaguars, sitting at 1-4, come into this game with more experience playing overseas, having gone 6-5 in London matchups since 2013. (Sportsbook Review)
The Chicago Bears are off to a promising 3-2 start and are looking to extend their success in their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The oddsmakers have set the Bears as slight 1.5-point favorites, but the game is expected to be close. The Bears have a lot of momentum going into this game, and they have the home field advantage. However, the Jaguars are a tough opponent, and the Bears will need to be at their best to win this game.
1. Latest Betting Trends for Jaguars vs Bears
Point Spread & Over/Under:
As of the latest odds, the Bears are favored by 1.5 points, while the over/under is set at 44.5 points. The Bears have covered the spread in all three games where they were at least 1-point favorites, giving them a solid betting track record this season. They have also covered the spread in all three of their road games this season.
The Bears’ moneyline is set at -115, while the Jaguars are at +110, indicating a fairly even split.
The Chicago Bears are favored by 1.5 points over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bears have been perfect when they’re favored to win this season, but the Jaguars are a good bet as an underdog. The Jaguars have played well in London, and they may have key players like tight end Evan Engram back in the lineup. If Engram returns, he could be a difference-maker, as he is a big target and a reliable receiver. The Bears have a strong defense, but the Jaguars have a solid offense and a good running game. This game could go either way, and it’s likely to be a close one.
2. Key Player Matchups and Injury Updates
Trevor Lawrence vs Bears’ Defense:
This game is a matchup of two teams that are very evenly matched. The Jaguars have been playing well this season, and Trevor Lawrence has been a key player for them. This game will be no different, and Lawrence will need to take advantage of deep ball opportunities against a tough Chicago defense that is ranked sixth in passing yards allowed.
Bears’ Rushing Attack:
Chicago’s run game is a concern, ranking 29th in the league in rushing yards. D’Andre Swift leads the Bears with 234 rushing yards, but the Bears will need to improve on the ground to keep Jacksonville’s defense on its heels. The Jaguars rank 9th in run defense, allowing just 105.6 rushing yards per game which could present a significant challenge for Chicago’s offense.
3. Will the Game Hit the Over or Under?
The Over/Under line has been set at 44.5, and there’s some debate on whether this game will be high-scoring. The Bears’ games have only hit the over twice this season, while Jacksonville has seen the total exceed the line in two of five games.
The Chicago Bears have been impressive on defense this season, allowing just 17 points per game, which is good for fifth in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars, on the other hand, have struggled on defense, allowing 28.6 points per game, which is 30th in the league. This variance between the two defenses makes this an intriguing betting angle. If the Bears’ defense continues to play well, the game could be a low-scoring affair. However, if the Jaguars’ defense continues to struggle, the game could be a high-scoring affair.
The variance between these defensive performances makes this an intriguing betting angle.
4. Prop Bets to Watch for Jaguars vs Bears
Trevor Lawrence Passing Yards:
Lawrence’s ability to push the ball downfield will be critical, and bettors are looking at his passing yard total. With Chicago ranking 6th against the pass, it may be a tough day for Lawrence to break 250 yards.
Travis Etienne Rushing Yards:
Travis Etienne, averaging 46.2 rushing yards per game, will look to take advantage of the Bears’ weaker run defense, which ranks 18th in the league. Bettors are focusing on whether Etienne can surpass his projected rushing total.
Bears’ Wide Receiver D.J. Moore:
On the Bears’ side, D.J. Moore has been their most consistent playmaker, with three touchdowns and 294 receiving yards this season. He’ll need to step up against a Jacksonville defense that struggles against the pass.
5. Jaguars’ Experience in London – An Edge?
The Jaguars are no strangers to the international stage, with 11 previous games played in London, more than any other NFL team. Their familiarity with travel, time zone adjustments, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could give them an edge over the Bears, who are relatively inexperienced in international play.
While Jacksonville is only 6-5 in London, their presence there could be a psychological advantage, and some expect them to be more comfortable in this environment than Chicago, making the underdog moneyline bet appealing to many.
Expert Picks and Final Prediction
With Chicago favored by just 1.5 points, experts are divided on the outcome. Many are siding with Jacksonville due to their experience in London and the fact that their injury situation.