The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to extend their winning streak to three games when they travel to Chicago to take on the Bears in Week 9.
Tampa Bay (3-5) enters Sunday’s matchup following a 16-0 shutout victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The Buccaneers have won two consecutive games behind an improved rushing attack and a defense that has stepped up in recent weeks.
Chicago (6-2), meanwhile, is coming off a 34-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. The Bears have won three straight
games and will look to keep their momentum going in front of their home crowd.
Despite Tampa Bay’s recent turnaround, the Bucs Nation staff isn’t convinced the Buccaneers can pull off the road victory. All four writers are predicting a Chicago win, although each expects Tampa Bay to keep the game relatively competitive.
Here are this week’s staff predictions:
Evan Wanish (5-3): Bears 21, Bucs 17
Mike Kiwak (4-4): Bears 24, Bucs 17
Gil Arcia (4-4): Bears 27, Bucs 17
Will Walsh (4-4): Bears 25, Bucs 19
The staff is unanimous in picking Chicago, with the projected margin of victory ranging from four to 10 points. One common theme among the predictions is Tampa Bay’s offensive struggles, particularly through the air, which could make it difficult to keep pace with the Bears.
Can the Buccaneers prove the staff wrong and extend their winning streak, or will Chicago hand Tampa Bay its sixth loss of the season?
The Buccaneers and Bears kick off Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
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