Bears Favored as Chicago’s New Front Meets Buccaneers’ Ground Game

Overview

• The game is set for Sunday Night Football in Chicago with sportsbooks listing the Bears as favorites and betting markets showing a modest edge for Chicago.
• Chicago enters on a long run of control, having not trailed in a game since mid-October as Caleb Williams and the offense have produced high yardage and scoring outputs.
• Tampa Bay has won three of four by leaning on the run, ranking near the top of the league in rushing attempts and yards while using conservative passing to protect Baker Mayfield.
• Mayfield has been a limited passer because of a right-thumb injury, throwing only a handful of passes in recent weeks even as he says the thumb has improved and he no longer needs a glove.
• Personnel swings will shape the matchup: Jeffery Simmons has made an immediate impact for the Bears’ front, while the Bucs will be without edge rusher YaYa Diaby because of an MCL sprain and have rebuilt their defense under Todd Bowles to emphasize aggressive blitzing.