The Jacksonville Jaguars saved Gus Bradley’s job for another week by claiming their first win of the season two weeks ago. They got a chance to savor that victory during the bye and hit a favorable part of the schedule that could get them back into the thick of the race in the AFC South. If the Jags are to make a run and save Bradley’s position for the long term, a win over the Chicago Bears is a necessity. They’ll get a chance to do that on the road in Week 6.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 6 game is set for Sunday, October 16, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Jacksonville Jaguars +2
Chicago Bears -2
Over/Under 47
Odds Analysis
Coming off their bye, the Jaguars are getting plenty of play in this one. Nearly 70 percent of the early wagers have been placed on the visitors but the sharps have moved the line from opening at Chicago -1.5 to -2. Jacksonville still has yet to be favored in any game this season and is 2-2 ATS. The Jags have played over the total in three of four outings and against a shaky Bears defense, the over/under of 47 looks inviting.
Injury Report
Luke Joeckel – The Jags’ starting left guard was lost with a knee injury in the game before the bye week. It’s a significant loss because Joeckel can play both guard and tackle and moved to his current spot after losing a competition with free agent Kelvin Beachum. He became the starting guard with fewer options for the position.
Jay Cutler – Missed his third straight game Sunday and talk of a quarterback controversy in Chicago has started to swirl with the play of backup Brian Hoyer. Chicago moved the ball and Hoyer hasn’t thrown a pick in his three starts, but there’s a reason why he’s the backup. The Bears have struggled to score and Cutler gives them a better chance of doing that than Hoyer does.
Player to Watch
With their season at a crossroads, the Bears face a pressing question about their quarterback situation. The team thought it had the right guy seven years ago when acquiring Cutler from the Denver Broncos, but it’s become evident that Cutler isn’t the player to lead the Bears. He’s had every opportunity with several different coaches and supporting cast and has just one playoff appearance during his time. Hell, Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton did more than what Cutler has. And it’s become apparent that his time in Chicago could be nearing an end with John Fox not committing to Cutler as his starter once the thumb injury has healed.
In the meantime Hoyer has taken over and his numbers have been solid, even if the results haven’t been. Hoyer did lead the Bears to their first and only win of the season by knocking off the Lions two weeks ago, and has tossed for over 300 yards in each of his three starts. But he lacks the arm strength of Cutler and has been hesitant to chuck the ball deep, eliminating Alshon Jeffery from the offense. While Hoyer has had more success moving the football, the Bears are still struggling to stick it in the endzone.
Free ATS Pick
The last opponent for both teams was the Indianapolis Colts and if we go off the results the Jaguars are the winner in this one. But, the game doesn’t work that way and it’ll be a battle on the Soldier Field turf. While a matchup of one-win teams in Week 6 doesn’t carry a lot of intrigue, there is still plenty for both sides to play for. The Bears have dealt with numerous injuries and they’ve taken a toll on the defensive side. A patched up unit hasn’t been able to do the job and some poor play on that side of the ball was costly in a loss to Indy on Sunday.
The Jags enjoyed their off week following a win over the Colts in London two weeks ago, but it was an effort that still left us wanting more from this club. They let a big lead almost slip away and continue to commit silly penalties. I’m not convinced the Jags are ready to take the next step and the Bears are a hungry team. The O-line in Chicago is playing well, Jordan Howard looks like the back to take over and the defense will figure it out. The Bears haven’t been good at protecting their home turf, but they got a win the last time and will cover the spread.
NFL Odds: Bears 23, Jaguars 18
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