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As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, fans are buzzing with anticipation for another thrilling year of American football.
The excitement is palpable for fans both in Britain and back across the pond as teams gear up for a journey that will culminate in the Super Bowl, with the Kansas City Chiefs looking to defend their title after a dramatic 25-22 victory in last year’s final.
As part of the international expansion of the sport, the NFL is once again heading to London, bringing a wave of American football excitement to the UK.
This October, the NFL London series is set to showcase some thrilling matchups, with three games scheduled across two iconic venues. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears on October 13 – a game that many will have their eyes on away from Wembley.
Over recent years, the NFL London games have produced some unforgettable moments. The 2013 clash saw the Minnesota Vikings edge out the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-27, while the 2014 battle between the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons ended in a dramatic 22-21 victory for the Lions.
The 2022 game, where the Minnesota Vikings narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 28-25, also impressed with its thrilling finish, and those assessing the Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars odds know that North London will have a lot to live up to.
Back to the action, and for both the Bears and Jaguars, this matchup is more than just another game — it’s an opportunity to gain momentum and establish a solid run. As the teams prepare to face off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, the stakes are already high.
The Bears, grappling with two juxtaposed performances so far, need a win to regain form for their season. After a disappointing end to the 2023 season, where they finished out of playoff contention and suffered three blown double-digit fourth-quarter leads, Matt Eberflus will be eager to find rhythm.
The recent performance against the Houston Texans in the 19-13 loss highlighted their ongoing struggles. Despite a strong defensive showing, including standout performances from linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and a solid defensive line, the Bears fell short.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will need to shine this season, with coach Eberflus speaking highly of him despite the loss to the Texans.
“I would say his strengths are the same that started the season,” he said. “Great communicator, great teacher, really has a good feel for the game, works well with his staff and the players. I thought we did a good job of distributing the ball yesterday, better than the first game in terms of putting it to our skill and the targets to our skill sets. That was really good. I have total belief in all those guys.”
On the other side, the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a 9-8 record last season, are also looking to solidify their performance with a win that would upset the American Football betting. The Jaguars have delivered some thrilling games in London, such as their 34-31 victory over the Buffalo Bills in 2015, marked by a game-winning field goal as time expired.
With a revamped roster and new head coach Brian Callahan, the Jaguars are keen to make a strong impression in London, despite recent injury concerns affecting key players.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been struggling with a sprained ankle, which has hampered his mobility and playmaking ability – he’ll be a big miss.
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This game could evolve into a defensive battle, with both teams still adjusting to the season. However, if the Bears can leverage their roster’s strengths and start strong, they have the potential to dominate.
With a more impactful performance on both sides of the ball, Chicago might well secure a convincing victory.
