JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars season is back and our News4JAX sports staff is back with its predictions as well. Each week, we’ll unveil our predictions for the week’s game. Jacksonville (1-4) heads to London in Week 6 to face the Bears (3-2) on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
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Kyle Ashley
Season record: 2-3.
The Jaguars are traveling across the pond for back-to-back matchups in London against rookie quarterbacks. The team is coming off its first win and looking to get back on track against Caleb Williams and the Bears. I have been saying that I am not picking the Jaguars until they prove me wrong and win a game. They technically did that by beating the Colts this past week, but I feel that picking them here would go against me. I do think Jacksonville can win this game, but I am going to go “bizarro” here and pick the Bears. — Bears 31, Jaguars 28.
Justin Barney
Season record: 2-3.
The Jaguars could easily be 4-1 at this point, and could just as easily be 0-5. That’s the type of start it’s been for one of the NFL’s most confusing teams. I looked at this game when the schedule came out as a definite win. But I think it’s going to be a far more challenging game than I initially thought. But Jacksonville won back-to-back games there last year and I think they run that streak up again. — Jaguars 28, Bears 24.
Alessandra Pontbriand
Season record: 3-2.
I am optimistic that the Jaguars will start a win streak overseas just like they did last season. I asked head coach Doug Pederson if the team has an advantage in London because they play there so often. He said: “It’s familiar to the guys, the guys that have been there. As far as an advantage goes, we still have to get over there and get acclimated quickly. But I think staying at The Grove, the travel, all of that is familiar to us. That does make it sort of — gives you a peace of mind, I would say, traveling over there.” The Bears did arrive earlier in the week while the Jaguars got there Friday morning, but I still think the Jags prior experience will help them. People are creatures of habit so it’s understandable that this week for the Bears would be weird. From practicing in a new place, to living out of a hotel, then creating a makeshift facility across the world sounds uncomfortable to adjust to even for just one week. Chicago is definitely improved with Caleb Williams i.e. their 3-2 record. This won’t be easy for the Jaguars at all. It probably will be another close game, but if the Jags D can disrupt rookie quarterback Caleb Williams then they shut down any momentum the Bears have. Momentum is a real thing in games. We’ve heard coaches and players talk about it so many times that if you can get momentum and string drives together, then you have a good chance to win. Don’t let Williams do that. On the other side, the Bears D is really good. This will be tough, but hopefully tight Evan Engram can return this week — he’s listed as questionable on the injury report - because he adds another element to the offense. — Jaguars 21, Bears 17.
Jamal St. Cyr
Season record: 2-3.
I couldn’t pick them before but now that they’ve got a win I’m trying to get back on board. This team still has a long way to go to really build confidence in them but I think they can get a W this week. The Bears are a good team that has been playing good football. But if the Jacksonville offense that showed up last week can show up in London I think that will be enough. — Jaguars 31, Bears 28.
Bonus picks from Hard Rock bets:
Brian Thomas Jr. over 54.5
Caleb Williams over 1.5 passing TDs