Bears vs. Jaguars Odds: Point Spread, Total & Prediction

bears vs packers betting odds line point spread over under total game pick prediction week 6 2016

Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard. (Getty)

The Jacksonville Jaguars used the offseason free agency period to add offensive weapons and the 2016 NFL Draft to shore up a shaky defense with hopes of making some noise in the AFC South this year.

So far, the results haven’t been pretty.

The Jaguars dropped their first three games before winning in Week 4, a 30-27 win over the Colts in London.

Coming off a bye, Jacksonville heads to Chicago on Sunday for game against the Bears, who are also struggling in 2016.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern from Soldier Field and the game will be televised by CBS.

The Bears, who have been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball, are 1-4 and coming off a 29-23 loss at Indianapolis.

Here’s a complete look at all the betting info you need to know, as well as a prediction for the Week 6 game:


Bears vs. Jaguars Week 6 Betting Info

Note: All odds and numbers courtesy of OddsShark.com and are updated as of October 15

Spread: Bears (-2.5)

Betting Percentages: 57 percent for Jaguars (+2.5)

Over/Under: 45.5

Betting Percentages: 52 percent on Over 45.5

Season Results: Bears 1-4 straight up; 1-4 against the spread; 2-2-1 OVER-UNDER-PUSH — Jaguars 1-3 straight up; 2-2 against the spread; 3-1 for the OVER


Prediction

On one hand you have the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are 1-17 in their last 18 road games. The Bears haven’t been much better at home, going 4-14 in the past 18 at Soldier Field.

Something’s got to give … right?

As mentioned above the Bears have been bitten by the injury bug. They’ve lost starting quarterback Jay Cutler, running back Jeremy Langford and wide receiver Kevin White. But Chicago’s offense has actually improved. Rookie running back Jordan Howard has two-straight 100-yard games and is leading the NFL with a 5.8 yard per carry average. Jacksonville is a middle-of-the-pack rush defense, allowing 105.8 yards per game with 4 total touchdowns.

Since taking over for Cutler as the starter in Week 3, Brian Hoyer has been lights out, averaging 339 passing yards per game. He also has 6 touchdowns with no interceptions on a 71 completion percentage. Chicago is just 1-2 in those games, though.

The Jaguars are allowing just 199 passing yards per game and will get another boost in their secondary with the return of Aaron Colvin, who was suspended the first four games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Colvin was fourth on the team in tackles in 2015 and added 4 sacks, second-most.

Offensively, Jacksonville has been inconsistent. Quarterback Blake Bortles was expected to make another leap a season after throwing 35 touchdowns. But he’s been turnover prone (6 INTs) and the big plays he made with wide receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns in 2015 haven’t been there yet in ’16. Chicago allows opposing QBs to complete 66 percent of their passes, so the success could be there Sunday.

But if the Jags don’t get a running game going they’ll remain a one-dimensional team and easier to defend. T.J. Yeldon is coming off his best game (14 carries, 71 yards) and free-agent addition Chris Ivory is getting healthier. The Bears are vulnerable up front, allowing 118 rush yards per game. Expect Jacksonville to lean on Yeldon and Ivory more often in Week 6.

It’s tough to pick against the home team, especially since the visiting has been so bad on the road. But Jacksonville is a little more talented and trending in the right direction.

The Jaguars buck that rough road losing trend and squeak one out in Chicago.

The Pick: Jaguars 27-24 (Jaguars win straight up, Jaguars cover the spread, the OVER wins)