An increasingly confident Chicago Bears will look to build on their superb road victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.
The Bears are beginning to look like genuine contenders in the NFC following the return of star quarterback Caleb Williams.
They next play host to a Tampa Bay team that has quietly put itself back into play-off contention with consecutive victories.
The Buccaneers shut out the Atlanta Falcons 16-0 last week and became the first team since 1974 not to complete a pass in an NFL game, although horrendous weather conditions made it difficult to draw too many firm conclusions.
But their defence has a clear identity as it encourages opponents to attack through the air while remaining solid against the run.
That could play directly into Chicago's hands given the form of Williams and his pass-catching options.
The Bears QB averages 253.4 passing yards per game and is developing excellent chemistry with emerging stars Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland.
Tampa Bay will also receive a boost with leading receiver Emeka Egbuka expected to feature after practising fully on Friday.
So Sunday night's clash should give us an idea of where both teams stand heading into the second half of the season.
Chicago Bears v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Tips
Best Bet – Chicago Bears -5.5 @ 100/121
Alternative Bet – Colston Loveland Over 55.5 Receiving Yards @ 20/23
Bet Builder – Chicago Bears to Win, Luther Burden III Anytime Touchdown & Emeka Egbuka Anytime Touchdown @ 37/4
Chicago Bears v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction
Best Bet: Chicago Bears -5.5 @ 100/121
Chicago appear to be peaking at exactly the right time and the Bears look capable of covering the spread on home soil.
Their Week 8 victory in Seattle was arguably the most impressive road performance recorded by anyone this season and demonstrated just how dangerous this team can be.
Williams brings a swagger and explosiveness to the offence, while the midseason acquisition of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has strengthened an already talented front four.
The Bears’ strengths match up really well to Tampa Bay's defensive profile as the Bucs can give up chunk plays through the air.
Given Williams' recent form and the emergence of Burden and Loveland as premier receiving threats, they have the ability to put up plenty of points at Soldier Field.
With home-field advantage and momentum firmly in their favour, Chicago are taken to win by at least a touchdown.
Alternative Bet: Colston Loveland Over 55.5 Receiving Yards @ 20/23
Loveland has become one of Williams' most trusted targets since the quarterback's return and his recent production suggests this line remains achievable.
The dynamic tight end has recorded 65, 69 and 65 receiving yards across his last three outings, averaging 66.3 yards per game during that stretch.
His role within the offence has expanded considerably, commanding a 26.2% target share while averaging 6.7 receptions per game.
Tampa Bay rank among the NFL's most aggressive defensive teams, employing one of the league's highest blitz rates while relying heavily on zone coverage.
Those are precisely the looks Loveland has excelled against over the last three weeks, making him an appealing option to clear this mark for a fourth straight game.
Chicago Bears v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Bet Builder Tip
- Chicago Bears to Win
- Luther Burden III Anytime Touchdown
- Emeka Egbuka Anytime Touchdown
Pays 37/4
Egbuka leads the Bucs with six red-zone targets, and he had scored in consecutive games before his recent injury.
Similarly, Burden has established himself as Chicago's number-one receiver and looks excellent value to find the end zone too.
Tampa Bay have allowed only three rushing touchdowns all year, meaning opponents often need to attack through the air inside the 20-yard line.
That trend should provide Burden with opportunities to add to his burgeoning touchdown tally.
Combining a Bears victory with scores from both teams’ primary wideouts creates an attractive same-game Bet Builder.t
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
- Williams is averaging 253.4 passing yards per game
- Burden III has 547 receiving yards this season
- Loveland is averaging 66.3 receiving yards per game since Week 6
- Egbuka leads Tampa Bay in red-zone targets
- The Bucs became the first NFL team not to complete a pass since 1974 last week
Tactics, Form and Team News
The Bears will again be without running back Kyle Monangai, who has missed their last four games with thumb and toe injuries.
D'Andre Swift has carried almost the entire rushing load in his absence, scoring an incredible seven touchdowns over the last month.
Chicago’s two other questionable players are both in the secondary as cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is questionable because of a thumb injury and rookie corner Malik Muhammad II is dealing with a toe injury that kept him out of last week’s game.
For Tampa Bay, the biggest positive is the expected return of Egbuka, who is Baker Mayfield's primary receiving threat.
However, star left tackle Tristan Wirfs was added to the injury report on Thursday as he deals with a toe issue.
Read more NFL betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
