Bears vs. Jaguars: Keys, predictions for Week 6 game in London

The Chicago Bears are above .500 for the first time this season after winning their second game in a row last weekend.

After beating up on the lowly Panthers, the Bears will now play the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars, who just won their first game of the campaign last weekend, in London.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The Bears last played in London in 2019 and lost 21-24 to the Raiders. Jacksonville is 6-5 in London and won both of its games there last year (over Buffalo and Atlanta).

Here are the key matchups on Sunday and a couple predictions.

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Why I'm Confident

Josh: Bears’ confidence

Confidence in yourself can inspire more confidence from others and that’s the case here.

Sure, the Bears are coming off wins over a couple of struggling teams but they largely played like they knew they’re the better team and now seem to be finding some rhythm.

You can look at the matchups and various metrics from the past couple of games, and they’re certainly valid, but Chicago just looks more prepared and confident than at the start of the season and it’s translating to better production. I’m confident that will carry across the pond this weekend.

Tommy: Let's go streaking

Chicago has won two straight against teams that have struggled this season: the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers.

Week 6 features another team that fits that description in the Jaguars, who won their first game last weekend.

Chicago's offense is starting to hit its stride as the Jaguars' defense has been one of the worst in the NFL.

The Bears have some momentum to continue to build on and it only makes sense they keep it going against a reeling Jacksonville team that has plenty of holes in its efficiency through five weeks.

Why I'm Concerned

Josh: Jaguars HC Doug Pederson

Pederson has had Chicago’s number a bit during his career.

While he hasn’t faced the Bears in a few years, he’s still 4-0 against Chicago as a head coach, and that’s after his teams dominated the Bears during his playing days.

Hopefully a trip overseas can help break that streak on Sunday.

Tommy: Jacksonville's second home

This will be the Jaguars' 12th game played in London since the NFL launched the International Series in 2007.

As a result, its fan base has grown in the United Kingdom as team owner Shahid Khan also purchased Premier League team Fulham.

In comparison, the Bears have only played in three games dating back to 1986, with their latest happening in 2019.

While the Jaguars have only gone 6-5 in the 11 games they've played in London, it still feels a bit more like a home game as the Bears — along with rookie Caleb Williams — are playing in some unfamiliar territory in comparison.

Key Matchup

Josh: Bears WR DJ Moore vs. Jaguars CB Ronald Darby

Moore is coming off his biggest game of the season — a five-catch, 105-yard, two-touchdown day — and will get to go against a struggling secondary on Sunday.

No team has allowed more passing yards than Jacksonville, and Darby has allowed 14.8 yards per catch and a 135.1 passer rating against this season — the fifth-worst mark in the league among corners who’ve played at least 100 snaps.

The rest of the Jaguars’ secondary is also off to a rough start, so the rest of Chicago’s receivers should also be able to feast, but Moore is WR1 and should impose his will.

Tommy: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Bears defense

Lawrence finally put together his best game of the season last week against the Indianapolis Colts but he'll be up against one of the better NFL defenses this weekend.

The 25-year-old completed 82.4% of his passes (28-for-34 for 371 yards and two touchdowns. It was against a Colts defense that was also scorched by Caleb Williams and the Bears in Week 3 for 363 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Chicago is tied for the fourth-most interceptions (6) and the fourth-most sacks (17) in the NFL.

Lawrence will have his work cut out for him to repeat another quality performance. The Bears defense will also be without safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) .

All Eyes On

Josh: Bears QB Caleb Williams

I mentioned above that my reason for confidence is the team’s confidence and Williams is a big part of that.

After completing less than 60% of his passes and struggling most of his first three games (with four interceptions), Williams has connected on over 70% of his passes the past two contests while throwing for three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Again, the Jaguars secondary has been porous this season, so it’s another good opportunity for Williams to shine. Can he continue his strong streak and keep growing that confidence?

Tommy: Bears WR DJ Moore

Snagging three touchdowns in the past two weeks, Moore could be in line for another big week against a struggling Jacksonville passing defense.

Moore hauled in five catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Panthers, as he and Williams continue to build on chemistry.

They'll be matched up against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the third-best passer rating (111.7) in the league, sixth-best completion percentage (69.5%), tied for third-most yards per reception (8.1), and tied for second-most passing touchdowns (10).

Jacksonville has also allowed the most passing plays over 20 yards (24) and one behind the most plays for 40-plus yards (4). The Jaguars have only tallied 11 sacks in five games, tied for the fourth-fewest amount in the league.

It all spells success for Moore and the Bears' passing game.

Prediction

Josh: 27-14 Bears

The Bears haven’t allowed more than 21 points in a game yet this season and the Jaguars, despite scoring 37 last weekend, still have the 12th-lowest scoring offense. Jacksonville has played well in London lately, so maybe they’ll find some magic and get in the end zone twice but the Bears should dominate this one.

Tommy: 28-17 Bears

Chicago should win this matchup easily, but it wouldn't come as a surprise to see Jacksonville hang around and keep things close. It'll all come down to the Bears' defense as the offense should be able to play well as they've done against inferior defenses already this season.

Season Record

• Tommy: 4-1
• Josh: 3-2