Christmas is over, but two teams that should be very thankful of others meet up in the Bears at Jaguars pick. Chicago has seen their playoff hopes reinvigorated thanks to the 20-12 upset of San Francisco over the Cardinals on Saturday night, putting the Bears in the driver’s seat for the 7th and final postseason spot.
Jacksonville’s future also looks brighter as the New York Jets inexplicably beat the Rams last week, setting the Jaguars up for the #1 draft pick next Spring if they can drop the final two games. Chicago needs a win, Jacksonville needs a loss – this one seems pretty easy…doesn’t it?
Can Bears Cover the -8 Number?
It’s not like Chicago is going to win in the Bears at Jacksonville pick just because the Jags are going to lay down. The Bears have looked extremely good in getting back on the winning trail the last two weeks, specifically on offense. Mitch Trubisky has 8TD to 3 INT the last four games since becoming a starter, but it’s been the Chicago run game that looks very nostalgic.
David Montgomery has posted 100+ yards on the ground in three of the last four, and has five rush TDs the last three. The Bears have climbed to #24 in the league in rushing, which is actually respectable considering they were last or 31st most of the season. That success on the ground should continue against the Jags’ #30 ranked rush defense.
If Chicago were to lose on Sunday, it’s the kind of defeat that gets coaches, GMs, and QBs fired. It would be easy to see the Bears come out flat though, making the trip to Florida right after the holidays, and with a tilt against rival Green Bay on the horizon next week to possibly determine a postseason berth. Chicago fans are more nervous than they should be before Sunday’s matchup.
Glennon Eyes His Revenge
Jacksonville has announced that Mike Glennon will get the nod on Sunday vs. his old team Chicago. Glennon has no reason to be angry with the Bears as they did give him $45 million in 2017, but then went on to take Trubisky with the #2 pick in the draft just a few weeks later. Glennon got four games before Chicago turned to the rookie, signaling the end of the veteran’s time in Chicago.
Glennon would love nothing more than to get a win vs. his former team, but in doing so he might become public enemy #1 in Jacksonville as the team now looks in line to take Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, one of the best QB prospects in the last 20 years. Glennon did play good with 235 yards and 2 TD in the loss to Cleveland, but has just 1 TD to 2 INT in his last two games.
One break that the Bears do get on Sunday is that Jacksonville’s James Robinson (1,414 combined yards) will miss this game with an ankle injury. Chicago is very banged up on defense though, missing four CBs and with Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, Bilal Nichols, and Mario Edwards, Jr. all on the injury report.
Free Bears at Jaguars Pick
Both fan bases feel like their team is going to cost them on Sunday. Chicago falls out of the postseason for now with a loss and the Jaguars lose out on one of the greatest college football QBs of all time with a win – and it’s almost like that is not only possible, but expected.
This game could be closer than expected with the Bears’ visiting Florida and looking ahead to Green Bay. Chicago should be able to move the ball at will however, and with a banged up defense and some talent on the outside for the Jags, expect points to be put on the board.
Bears 33 – Jaguars 26
Free Pick: Over 46.5
