As Week 6 of the NFL season approaches, the Chicago Bears are taking centre stage with their upcoming October 13th international game in London. This marquee matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is more than just another game—it’s part of a broader global push for the NFL and the city of Chicago. Alongside this international excitement, major storylines continue to unfold across the league, from quarterback controversies to injuries.
So let’s dive into the most important news heading into Week 6, starting with the Bears’ big London arrival.
Beardown Tottenham
The Chicago Bears have landed in London already, bringing a wave of excitement ahead of their highly anticipated matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 13. The Bears are no strangers to international play, but this trip marks a special opportunity for both the team and the city of Chicago to make a statement on the global stage.
Mayor Brandon Johnson is also in town, traveling with World Business Chicago, as part of a broader mission to position Chicago as a global hub for business and innovation. Johnson’s visit includes high-level meetings and key announcements, and a few fun trips to the pub (perhaps?).
While Chicago’s business community aims to strengthen ties with London, the Bears have their own agenda—bringing the energy of Soldier Field across the Atlantic. They’ve organised a series of fan events at the Greenwood Sports Pub, where London-based Bears fans can meet former players, grab autographs, and enjoy a slice of Chicago football culture.
As mentioned in previous articles, the Greenwood isn’t the best sports bar for North American authenticity, as the McDonald’s in Victoria station was serving up better food than any of the events we ran there.
Bring lots of money, as it is one of the priciest sports pubs in the city, even though it isn’t close to anything,
These events, which run from October 9-13, include appearances from beloved Bears alumni like Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Anthony “Spice” Adams, alongside giveaways, trivia, and more.
For those attending the game, or simply fans looking to immerse themselves in the Chicago football atmosphere, the Bears’ week-long takeover in London culminates with a viewing party at the Greenwood on October 13. Even if fans can’t make it to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they’ll be able to watch the game in true Bears fashion at the pub, decked out in team colors with face painters on-site to get everyone game-ready. FYI the pub closes at 11 on a Sunday, and will happily kick out fans looking to watch the 9pm games.
The Bears have had a mixed history in London, winning against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley in 2011 but falling to the Oakland Raiders in 2019. As they prepare to face the Jaguars in what promises to be a thrilling contest, the excitement in London is palpable. With events designed to engage local fans and promote Chicago on an international stage, this trip is a major moment for both the team and the city. All eyes will be on the Bears as they aim to capture a win and leave their mark on the international stage.
Russell Wilson’s Potential Return in Pittsburgh
In other news, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a looming decision regarding their quarterback situation. After back-to-back losses, and with Justin Fields’ struggles against the Cowboys, the door may be open for Russell Wilson’s return to the starting lineup. Head coach Mike Tomlin will address the situation during his weekly press conference, but speculation is growing that Wilson could get the nod as early as Week 6 against the Raiders.
Wilson, who has been recovering from an injury, is reportedly getting healthier and could offer the offensive spark the Steelers desperately need. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but the offence has stalled in recent weeks, and with prime-time games against the New York Jets and Giants on the horizon, the timing could be perfect for a change. Wilson’s experience and ability to read defences might be just what the Steelers need to get back on track.
Joe Flacco Continues to Impress in Indy
Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is turning heads with his standout performances. The 39-year-old QB threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns in the Colts’ Week 5 game, stepping in seamlessly for the injured Anthony Richardson. Despite his age, Flacco has defied expectations, making five consecutive starts with over 300 yards and multiple TDs.
The Colts are in the thick of the playoff race, and Flacco’s resurgence is providing them with stability at the quarterback position. If he continues this level of play, Indianapolis could make a serious postseason push, thanks in no small part to the veteran’s leadership and sharp passing game.
Deshaun Rubs Himself Out
Deshaun Watson’s rough start to the 2024 season hit a new low in Week 5, as the Cleveland Browns were dominated 34-13 by the Washington Commanders. Watson’s performance was underwhelming once again, and he was outclassed by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Watson has yet to throw for more than 200 yards in a game this season, and he’s been sacked at least six times in three separate contests.
For a quarterback commanding a $230 million contract, these numbers are troubling. Watson’s inability to elevate the Browns’ offense is one of the most pressing issues for the team heading into Week 6. If he doesn’t turn things around soon, the Browns could be looking at another disappointing season.
Patriots Eye No. 1 Draft Pick Amid Freefall
It’s been a rough season for the New England Patriots, who have now dropped four straight games following their surprise Week 1 win. The losses have piled up, and the team’s poor performance has them on track for a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Head coach Jared Mayo will need to work some magic to salvage the season, but at this point, it’s looking like a rebuild might be the Patriots’ best option moving forward.
The Patriots’ offensive struggles have been particularly alarming, as they’ve failed to establish any consistent rhythm, and every QB is getting constant pressure up front. If their slide continues, don’t be surprised if the team starts making moves to position themselves for a high draft pick next year.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Out for Season
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without one of their rising stars, as wide receiver Rashee Rice is set to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Rice suffered the injury in Week 4 when quarterback Patrick Mahomes accidentally collided with him while trying to recover an interception. The Chiefs have confirmed that Rice will undergo surgery to repair his LCL, and there’s optimism that his ACL remains undamaged.
Rice’s absence will be a blow to the Chiefs’ and Mahomes, as he was becoming an integral part of Mahomes’ passing attack. However, with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are well-positioned to weather the storm, though they’ll need other receivers to step up as the season progresses. Looking at you Davante!
Streaming Services See NFL Boost
Finally, a new study from Ampere Analysis highlights the incredible power the NFL has over streaming services. During the NFL season, platforms like YouTube TV and Fubo see a massive 77% increase in sign-ups, driven by the league’s unparalleled popularity. The Super Bowl remains the biggest subscription driver, with over 410,000 sign-ups recorded in a single day during last year’s championship.
As more games move to streaming exclusives, the relationship between the NFL and these services will continue to grow. It’s clear that the NFL remains a major force not just in sports but in the broader entertainment landscape, as fans flock to streaming platforms to catch the action every week.
With the Chicago Bears making headlines in London and plenty of drama across the league, Week 6 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting of the 2024 NFL season. Watch this space for more Bears and Jags news ahead of Sunday.
