Chicago Bears vs Jacksonville Jaguars Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

Former No. 1 overall picks duel as Jags, Bears clash in London

The NFL’s international spotlight shifts to London this Sunday, as two former No. 1 overall picks—rookie quarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars‘ Trevor Lawrence—go head-to-head in a highly anticipated matchup. The game brings together two teams in different phases of their seasons and provides a pivotal opportunity for both franchises to build momentum.

Caleb Williams: A Promising Start to a Young Career

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has quickly become the centerpiece of the team’s offense. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the most recent NFL Draft, Williams has already shown flashes of brilliance, helping the Bears to a 3-2 record with back-to-back wins heading into the London showdown.

Williams’ performance last Sunday against the Carolina Panthers was a testament to his rapid development. He threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, connecting effectively with wide receiver DJ Moore, who logged 105 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his early success, Bears general manager Ryan Poles remains focused on long-term growth rather than instant stardom.

“Caleb is right where he should be and continuing to get better,” Poles said. “Everyone’s journey is different, but the way he’s adapting and putting us in a position to win is impressive.”

Williams’ ability to adjust to the pace of the NFL while showing poise in the pocket has been critical to Chicago’s recent success. He will look to build on these performances as the Bears aim for a third consecutive victory.

Trevor Lawrence: Leading Jacksonville’s Resurgence

On the other side of the field, Trevor Lawrence is coming off one of the best games of his career. The former No. 1 overall pick led the Jaguars to their first win of the season, snapping a four-game losing streak with a 37-34 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence completed 28 of 34 passes for a career-high 371 yards, adding two touchdowns and an interception.

Lawrence’s ability to command Jacksonville’s offense was evident throughout the game, with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. contributing 122 receiving yards and a touchdown, while running back Tank Bigsby added 101 rushing yards and two scores. Lawrence’s diverse use of offensive weapons has made Jacksonville’s attack unpredictable, a quality that wide receiver Christian Kirk believes will be crucial moving forward.

“We’re spreading the ball around and it’s keeping defenses on their toes,” Kirk said after the Colts game.

The Jaguars (1-4) are eager to extend their winning ways, especially as they head into a London doubleheader. After facing Chicago, Jacksonville will remain in the British capital for a Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots.

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Key Matchup: Jaguars’ Defense vs. Caleb Williams

The clash between the Jaguars’ defense and Caleb Williams will be a fascinating aspect of Sunday’s game. Jacksonville defensive end Josh Hines-Allen hinted that his team is looking forward to facing the Bears rookie.

“You like to play against rookie quarterbacks,” Hines-Allen remarked. “They tend to want to make the big plays, and sometimes that means holding onto the ball a little too long.”

For the Jaguars’ defense, creating pressure on Williams and exploiting any rookie mistakes will be key to their game plan. The Bears, in turn, will need to focus on keeping Williams protected and giving him enough time to make plays downfield.

Bears’ Balanced Attack: D’Andre Swift Steps Up

While Williams is the star in Chicago, the recent success of running back D’Andre Swift has been a major factor in the team’s offensive balance. In each of the past two games, Swift has surpassed 120 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, providing the Bears with a potent one-two punch alongside Williams’ passing game.

Swift’s ability to control the tempo with his running has taken pressure off Williams, helping Chicago move the chains and dominate time of possession. As the Bears head into London, Swift’s consistent production will be vital in keeping the Jaguars’ offense off the field and minimizing opportunities for Trevor Lawrence to exploit Chicago’s defense.

Injury Concerns Could Play a Role

Both teams have key players dealing with injuries that could impact Sunday’s game. The Bears will be without safety Jaquan Brisker, who did not travel with the team due to concussion-like symptoms from a collision in the win over Carolina. Coach Matt Eberflus confirmed that Elijah Hicks will replace Brisker in the lineup.

Chicago also faces uncertainty surrounding the status of defensive end Jacob Martin, who recently returned to practice but has been on injured reserve since August. Additional injuries to Zacch Pickens (groin) and Terell Smith (hip) further thin the Bears’ defensive front, while cornerback Kyler Gordon (heel) and left guard Teven Jenkins (ankle) were limited in practice.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, are hoping for the return of tight end Evan Engram, who has been limited in practice with a hamstring injury. The possible absence of safeties Darnell Savage (quad) and Daniel Thomas (hamstring) could leave Jacksonville vulnerable in the secondary. Linebackers Devin Lloyd (knee) and Yasir Abdullah (neck) were also limited this week.

Game Outlook: Momentum in the Balance

Both teams come into this game with something to prove. The Bears are looking to solidify their position in the NFC with a third consecutive win, while the Jaguars are desperate to build on their first victory of the season and continue their London dominance, where they hold a 6-5 record.

Chicago holds a slight edge historically, leading the all-time series 5-3, with their most recent matchup in 2020 ending in a dominant 41-7 Bears victory. However, the neutral ground in London adds an unpredictable element, and the game could hinge on which former No. 1 pick—Williams or Lawrence—rises to the occasion.

Conclusion: A Must-Watch Duel Between No. 1 Picks

Sunday’s game promises to be an exciting battle between two quarterbacks destined to shape the future of the NFL. For the Bears, Caleb Williams will look to continue his upward trajectory, while the Jaguars rely on Trevor Lawrence’s leadership to pull them out of an early-season slump. With high stakes, key players on both sides, and the unique atmosphere of a London game, this matchup is one to watch.