The second of the NFL London games in the 2024 season takes place on Sunday as the Chicago Bears v Jacksonville Jaguars kicks-off around 2:30pm at the Tottenham Stadium.
The Bears are the designated “home” team but the Jaguars have more experience playing games this side of the Atlantic – will it make a difference on Sunday? Mark Kirwan weighs up the sides…
NFL London Game Bet Builder
Moneyline: Bears
Jaguars Total Points: Under 21.5
DJ Moore: Over 5.5 receptions
Roschon Johnson anytime touchdown
A Multi Match Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Sunday, October 13th – 2.30pm
WHERE: Tottenham Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports NFL
Moneyline: Bears
For all the talk you hear about their familiarity with the demands of the overseas games, the Jaguars record of six wins and five defeats in London doesn’t scream “advantage” here, and their record against the spread in those games is similarly mixed.
Perhaps the stand out win of their London trips came last season at the Tottenham Stadium when they upset the much-fancied Bills 25-20 in a victory where they flickered AFC contender credibility before their season petered out. That result comes with an asterisk though as the Bills flew into London on Friday, disregarding jetlag, and started the game very sloppily.
The Bears have not made that error this week. They flew on Monday after Sunday’s comfortable win over Carolina.
Their much-hyped preseason offence led by number one pick Caleb Williams really hasn’t caught fire yet, with the rookie still getting used to playing much tougher, faster, smarter defences. There are sign of life in the running game though, which will help him. D’Andre Swift has had 285 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in their last two games after a slow start to the season, while Roschon Johnson is being worked into goal-line situations and making a difference.
Williams has avoided interceptions in those two games and put up decent performances against the Panthers and Rams defences, both ranked second and third last in Defensive DVOA, a stat designed to account for the relative weaknesses of opponents week-to-week in the league.
He now faces the worst team by that metric in London this weekend. Travon Walker came to life against the Colts last week for Jacksonville, but they need him to play more consistently at that level, and the chances are he drops back down to earth this week.
If the Jags can’t hurry Williams the Bears should add another win to their record.
Jaguars Total Points: Under 22.5
The Jags offence has shown some spark but is going up against a Chicago defence that demolished Carolina’s offensive line last week, so it’s hard to be confident about them besting this number.
Tank Bigsby has provided some explosive plays on the ground and got the lion’s share of the carries last week, which is a positive, and Trevor Lawrence had a career day passing, but the Colts are much softer opponent than he’ll face this week. Injuries in the Bears secondary might help, but with persistent questions about the offensive line in Jacksonville, pressure will come and we cannot see them getting the scores needed here.
DJ Moore: Over 5.5 receptions
The former Panther has quickly become Caleb Williams favourite target, hauling in 27 passes so far this season.
With the Jaguars secondary still likely missing Tyson Campbell and Williams having time in the pocket, Moore’s over looks appealing at a better than evens price.
Roschon Johnson anytime touchdown
Swift’s been picking up the yardage in recent weeks on the ground out of the Chicago backfield, and has the burst to break open huge chunk plays, but Johnson will likely get carries along the goalline.
The bruising back already has three scores to his name. The Jags defence has given up six rushing touchdowns already this season too, and Johnson could benefit from their generosity on Sunday at an attractive price.
Jacksonville Jaguars v Chicago Bears Bet Builder
Moneyline: Bears
Jaguars Total Points: Under 21.5
DJ Moore: Over 5.5 receptions
Roschon Johnson anytime touchdown
A Multi Match Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 15/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All odds and lines quoted are accurate at time of publication but are subject to change
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