Jaguars at Bears: Preview, Predictions, and More

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Chicago Bears

It’s been a disappointing start to the season for both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears, as each team has only one win and more questions than answers. Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles was supposed to emerge as a star in his third season, but instead, his passer rating has plummeted and his turnovers have spiked. Coming off a bye, the Jaguars hope that Bortles is able to right the ship and make the team a competitor for the AFC South crown.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Week 6

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have battled injuries from the start of training camp, and appear set to start Brian Hoyer at quarterback for the third straight week with Jay Cutler still nursing a thumb injury on his throwing hand. After accumulating over 500 yards of total offense a week ago (a 29-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts), Hoyer has created a quarterback controversy, with some pundits wondering of Cutler will ever get his starting job back.

Here are the keys to victory for both teams in this Week 6 matchup.

Jaguars Keys To Victory

Protect the Football: Bortles has already thrown six interceptions in just four games and has not made the strides that most thought he would entering the season. His turnovers has made it extremely difficult for the Jaguars offense to get into rhythm. Moreover, his fourth quarter mistakes have taken much-needed points off the board. Bortles must protect the ball on the road if the Jaguars want to get their second win.

Have Success on Third Down: The Jaguars offense is last in the league on third down and the defense isn’t much better, ranking 29th. This inefficiency has caused the team to average just over 27 minutes of time of possession, 26th in the league. The team’s success on third down could be the biggest factor on who wins on Sunday.

Run, Run, Run: One reason why Bortles is turning the ball over so much is because the running game has been non-existent. The team only gains 75 yards on the ground per game, 30th in the league. The Bears aren’t great against the run, so exceeding their average shouldn’t be too hard to do.

Bears Keys To Victory

Turn Yards into Points: Over 500 yards of total offense last week only resulted in 23 points. Costly penalties in the red zone, missed field goals, and poor decision making are just some of the reasons why the Bears offense is having a hard time to score. The offense is moving the ball pretty well between the twenties, but they must have more success in the red zone. Touchdowns win games, not field goals.

Put Pressure on Bortles: The Jaguars offensive line is a mess and Bortles has been under pressure for much of the season. Chicago is coming off a five-sack effort last week and more of the same must happen on Sunday. Not only will pressure lead to sacks, but it could also lead to Bortles adding on to the his interception total.

Win Special Teams: The Bears have struggled in this area, allowing some big returns and not getting the field position they want. A big problem has been kick returns, where Deonte Thompson refuses to take a knee, runs it out, and fails to get to the 25-yardline. Connor Barth has struggled, going just 5-of-8 (62.5 percent) on field goal attempts.

Odds

Point Spread: Bears -3

Moneyline: Jaguars +125 , Bears -145

Over/Under: 46

Prediction

The Bears have been bad at home (2-8 in last 10 games), but the Jaguars have been just as bad on the road. Brian Hoyer has the Bears offense clicking. And if they can just be a little more efficient in the red zone, they should be able to pull this one out. The Jaguars’ roster looks good on paper, but unless they have made significant changes over the bye week, they appear to be on their way to their fourth loss of the season.

Pick: Chicago Bears: 24, Jacksonville Jaguars: 21