Buccaneers vs. Bears Prediction
Can the Chicago Bears continue their strong start to the 2018 season when they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to town today at 1PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
263 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 264 Chicago Bears
Sunday, September 30, 2018
1PM ET – Soldier Field
TV: FOX
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Bears are the favorite at home, as they are getting odds of -3 points against the Bucs. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 46.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 56 percent going on Tampa on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Bears with back-to-back wins
Following a tough loss to the Packers in Green Bay in the season opener, the Bears have beaten the Seahawks and Cardinals the last two weeks to move to 2-1 and sit atop the NFC North. The Bears are 2-1 against the spread and 2-1 with the under, hitting the under in both wins. Chicago has covered the spread in four of its last six games, dating back to the preseason.
The Chicago defense has been the spark behind the team’s early success, allowing 18.3 points and 318.7 yards per game. Their run defense is giving up just 65.3 yards per game. As a unit, the Bears have 14 sacks with eight forced turnovers. Khalil Mack already has four sacks, one INT and three forced fumbles. On offense, Chicago is putting up 21.0 points and 312.7 yards per game. Mitchell Trubisky has struggled somewhat, throwing for just 591 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Jordan Howard has 178 rushing yards and a TD.
Bucks take first loss
The Bucs are coming off a 30-27 loss to the Steelers, but they have scored 27 points in all three games under Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB while Jameis Winston has served his 3-game suspension. Tampa is 2-1 on the season, 2-1 against the spread and the Bucs have hit the over in all three games.
To this point, Tampa is averaging 34 points and 482.7 yards per game on offense. Fitzpatrick has thrown for at least 400 yards in every game and he has 1,230 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. As of Saturday night, the team hasn’t committed to a starter for this game. Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson each have over 300 receiving yards so far and three touchdowns each. The real issue for Tampa is on defense, where the Bucs are giving up 30.3 points and 446 yards per game. Their pass defense is allowing 375.3 yards per game.
NFL Betting Trends
Chicago
Chicago is 10-3-1 against the spread in its last 14 home games, but just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games following a win.
Tampa
The Bucs have covered the spread in five straight against NFC opponents and in four straight against teams with a winning record.
Prediction:
I’m expecting to see Fitzpatrick under center for the Bucs today just because the offense is moving the ball very well. However, I think he could be in for a long day. The Bears have relentless pressure on defense and that should lead to some bad throws from Fitzmagic, which will lead to short fields or touchdowns for Chicago. While Tampa could make a late rally like it did against Pittsburgh, I think the Bears manage to cover the small spread.
NFL Prediction: Chicago Bears -3
Related: Buccaneers vs. Bears Total Prediction