The Chicago Bears will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Both the Bears and Buccaneers come into this game with a 2-1 record, and are two of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season. Tampa Bay features a potent offense, while the Bears defense has been stingy all season.
The Chicago Bears find themselves in first place in the NFC North Division after beating the Seahawks and Cardinals in their previous two games. The Buccaneers started the season by winning their first two games but came back to reality in a week three loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chicago Bears are a three-point favorite in this game.
Mack Leading Bears Defense
The Chicago Bears lead the NFL in defensive efficiency so far this season, and Khalil Mack is a big reason why. The former Oakland Raiders star has recorded a sack and a forced fumble in all three of the Bears games this season. He also intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in the season-opening loss to the Packers. The Bears defense leads the NFL with 14 sacks and they will put a ton of pressure on the Bucs offense in this game.
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has shown signs of improvement in his second NFL season, but the Bears offense is still holding them back. Trubisky has thrown for just 591 yards and two touchdowns this season. Wide receiver Allen Robinson has been the best offensive weapon for the Bears this season, and Trubisky will look to get the ball to him in this game.
Fitzpatrick Sharp For Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to start Ryan Fitzpatrick again in week four, despite Jameis Winston being reinstated from suspension. Fitzpatrick has thrown for 1,230 yards and eleven touchdowns already this season, and the Buccaneers are riding the hot hand. The Buccaneers have the ability to score on nearly ever passing play with Mike Evans and Desean Jackson on the field.
The Buccaneers defense let them down in week three, and they have given up the third most points in the NFL this season. Tampa Bay has intercepted just one pass this season, and their secondary has been burned by opposing receivers. Former Giants standout Jason Pierre-Paul leads the team with three sacks and has been a disruptive force on defense. Tampa Bay can score points, but they also need to be able to get some stops.
Bears Win By A Touchdown
The Chicago Bears should probably be 3-0 this season, but a 2-1 start is still better than most expected. The Buccaneers have been explosive on offense this season, but are now facing a quarterback controversy. Tampa Bay will need their defense to show up on Sunday night if they are going to win on the road.
The Bears are waiting on Mitchell Trubisky and the offense to catch up to the defense, but will take wins in the meantime. Khalil Mack gets all the headlines, but the Bears have a deep roster full of defensive stars. The Buccaneers offense has been impressive all season long, but the Bears will finally slow them down in this game. Bet the Chicago Bears -3.0 in this game.
