The Chicago Bears can reach 7-2 going into their bye week if they beat Tampa Bay on Sunday night, but the Buccaneers have found a way to run the ball.
The Bears (6-2) host the Buccaneers (3-5) at Soldier Field on Sunday Night Football, with kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, according to NBC Sports. Chicago is trying to win its fourth straight game and its sixth in seven, the Bears’ own preview said. Their last outing was a 34-17 road win over the defending-champion Seahawks, which we covered earlier.
Two streaks meet
Chicago’s offense has scored 95 points during its three-game winning streak, CBS Sports reported. Quarterback Caleb Williams has completed 73.8% of his passes for 860 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in those games, the Bears said, since returning from a hamstring injury. Tight end Colston Loveland has produced at least 65 yards in each of the last three games.
Tampa Bay started 0-4 and has since won three of four, including consecutive wins over Carolina and Atlanta. CBS reported that the Buccaneers’ running game has churned out 582 yards over their two-game winning streak and that they beat Atlanta 16-0. Tampa Bay’s own preview calls the Bears a red-hot team that presents challenges on both sides of the ball, naming Williams and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
Injuries to watch
Linebacker Yaya Diaby (knee) is the only Buccaneers player ruled out, according to the Buccaneers’ Friday injury report as relayed by Reuters. Receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot) is questionable even though he practiced fully Thursday and Friday. Left tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe) returned to limited practice Friday with no game designation, and coach Todd Bowles said he expects him to play. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has a right thumb injury, practiced fully all week.
Chicago listed running back Kyle Monangai, defensive back Malik Muhammad II and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson Sr. as questionable. Stevenson was added Friday with a thumb injury.
The line
Betting lines varied by sportsbook. DraftKings had Chicago a 6-point favorite with a total of 47.5, according to NBC Sports and CBS. USA Today reported a 6.5-point spread and a 45.5 total at FanDuel. CBS’ Bryan DeArdo picked the Bears 20-16, while SI’s Gene Chamberlain picked them 26-19.
The reports reviewed do not give final inactive lists, which are released about 90 minutes before kickoff.
