The Buccaneers block outside linebacker Khalil Mack in last year’s matchup. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game in Tampa on Sunday:
The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game Sunday in Tampa:
Rick Morrissey
Buccaneers 31-16
The Bears finally figured out that running the ball keeps them in games. Tampa Bay has allowed the fewest rushing yards so far this season. Uh-oh. It means Bears quarterback Justin Fields needs to have a big game, which means his O-line has to have a big game. Uh-oh again. Season: 4-2.
Rick Telander
Buccaneers 31-18
When I was 44 years and three months old — as Tom Brady will be Sunday–I felt like a beaten old man. Playing football? Throwing passes? Leading the way? Ha! Sometimes it hurt just clicking the channel changer. Brady’s old enough to be Fields’ dad. Old enough to “own”‘ the Bears. Season: 4-2.
Patrick Finley
Buccaneers 28-9
We’ve seen this movie before. This season, the Bucs have whupped the two flawed teams they faced at home: the Dolphins by 23 and the Falcons by 28. The Bears lost to the two good teams they’ve played on the road — the Rams and Browns — by 20 apiece. Season: 5-1.
Jason Lieser
Buccaneers 27-16
The Bears played two teams on the Bucs’ level — the Rams and Packers — and lost by a total of 30 points. The last time they beat a good team was their win over the Bucs about a year ago, but that was a case of catching them at the right time. The defending champs will roll. Season: 5-1.
Mark Potash
Buccaneers 30-17
The Buccaneers were on a short rest/travel week last year — and Tom Brady was still getting acclimated — when they lost to the Bears at Soldier Field. Now they’re on long rest, at home, and Brady is much more comfortable. Season: 5-1.
