The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) and Chicago Bears (6-2) meet on Sunday Night Football for an NFL Week 9 clash. Kickoff from Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois, is set for 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Buccaneers vs. Bears odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
Ahead of kickoff, the Buccaneers are one of the toughest teams to preview. For starters, Tampa Bay is 2-0 since QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) returned to action and 3-1 in their last four outings. However, it's tough to take a thing from last week's 16-0 win over the Atlanta Falcons. That looks great on paper, but it's difficult to analyze a game played in such wet, sloppy conditions where Mayfield did not complete a single pass. It was
the first time since 1974 a team won without a single completion, but a win is a win.
Meanwhile, it felt like a statement win again for the Bears against the Seattle Seahawks in a preview of a potential NFC postseason matchup. A strong defensive effort from Chicago, which included a sack from DT Jeffery Simmons in his debut after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans, helped pull off a 34-17 win. QB Caleb Williams was efficient against a stout Seahawks defense, going 24 for 34 for 247 yards and a TD. More importantly, Williams was sacked just once and did not turn the ball over.
With RB Kyle Monangai (thumb/ toe) out, RB D'Andre Swift had 3 TDs on the ground. Monangai is expected to return against the Buccaneers, giving the Bears their dynamic backfield duo back.
Both Tampa Bay (3-5) and Chicago (6-2) have the same record against the spread (ATS) as their overall record. Both sides are 4-4 on point totals as well.
The Buccaneers have won the last 2 meetings (38-3 in 2021 and 27-17 in 2023; both in Tampa), but trail in the all-time series 40-22.
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Buccaneers vs. Bears odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Buccaneers +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Bears -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Buccaneers +6 (-112) | Bears -6 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Buccaneers vs. Bears key injuries
Buccaneers
- LB Yaya Diaby (knee) out
- WR Emeka Egbuka (foot) questionable
Bears
- RB Kyle Monangai (thumb/ toe) questionable
- DB Malik Muhammad II (toe) questionable
- CB Tyrique Stevenson Sr. (thumb) questionable
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Buccaneers vs. Bears picks and predictions
Prediction
Bears 27, Buccaneers 24
Moneyline
PASS.
There is no juice on the Bears (-270) on the moneyline.
Against the spread
BET BUCCANEERS +6 (-112).
Something has to give between 2 teams that have matching overall and ATS records this season. After last week, the Bucs will be overlooked in terms of making this one close after Mayfield did not complete a pass. But Tampa has performed well in recent weeks.
It's tough to imagine the Bears losing currently, but the Buccaneers, and Mayfield specifically, will be coming out hot in this one looking to prove that not completing a pass a week ago. That's how the NFL can work from week-to-week.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 47.5 (-110).
Along similar lines, lean toward the Over between the Bucs and Bears. The Buccaneers haven't been gangbusters on offense like the Seahawks, but the unit should ready to push the ball down field. Like Mayfield, look at Egbuka, who is expected to return, to help the Bucs put up enough to keep up with the Bears and push it to the Over.
Best prop bet
Bet Bucs QB BAKER MAYFIELD OVER 209.5 PASSING YARDS (-115).
Taking Williams to hit his Under (243.5 yards) is an option too, as the Bucs have allowed just 205.9 passing yards per game. But Mayfield's Over looks right here. His number is relatively low after back-to-back weeks with small numbers in the air, and in the same light, the Bears allow 219.0 yards per game in the air.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears odds, picks and predictions
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