Bears vs Buccaneersinjury report, prediction and how to watch
Injury report, prediction and how to watch for Bears vs Buccaneers: everything you need to know before the game.
The Chicago Bears host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9 on Sunday, November 8, at 8:20pm ET (7:20pm CT) at Soldier Field, in the Sunday Night Football slot.
Chicago is 6-2 and second in the NFC North. Tampa Bay is 3-5 and second in the NFC South.
Match preview
The Bears (6-2) arrive on a three-game winning streak and rank fifth in the league by winning percentage. They sit second in the NFC North but are still winless in the division (0-2).
They beat the Seahawks 34-17 in Seattle, the Patriots 30-24 and the Falcons 31-23. Their only loss in the last five games was 31-7 to the Packers. They won the first quarter and led at halftime in four of those five games.
Chicago scores 26.8 points per game (214 in eight games) and allows 20.0 (160), a point differential of +54. The Bears are 3-1 at Soldier Field, the same as on the road.
Wide receiver Luther Burden has 42 catches for 547 yards and three touchdowns. Caleb Williams runs the inventive offense designed by Ben Johnson.
The Buccaneers (3-5) rank 20th in the league and are riding their first winning streak of the season. They beat the Panthers 43-13 and the Falcons 16-0. Before that, they lost 26-19 to the Steelers.
Tampa Bay scores 22.3 points per game (178) and allows 18.9 (151), a differential of +27. The Bucs led at halftime in three of their last five games.
Baker Mayfield is still recovering from a dislocated throwing thumb and has completed 7 of 14 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown since returning. Stopping the Tampa rushing attack would make the Bucs one dimensional.
On the road, Tampa Bay is 2-1. At home, it is 1-4. The Bucs are 2-0 inside the NFC South, while Chicago is still looking for its first divisional win.
Tampa Bay has won three of the last five meetings: 27-17 in 2023, 38-3 in 2021 and 29-7 in 2017. Chicago took the 20-19 game in 2020 and the 48-10 game in 2018.
After winning on Thursday and Monday nights, the Bears get their turn on Sunday Night Football. For the Bucs, it is a chance to keep climbing against an NFC contender.
Chicago Bears · recent results
- WSeattle Seahawks 17-34 Chicago Bears
- WChicago Bears 30-24 New England Patriots
- WAtlanta Falcons 23-31 Chicago Bears
- LGreen Bay Packers 31-7 Chicago Bears
- WChicago Bears 23-12 New York Jets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers · recent results
- WTampa Bay Buccaneers 16-0 Atlanta Falcons
- WCarolina Panthers 13-43 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- LTampa Bay Buccaneers 19-26 Pittsburgh Steelers
- WDallas Cowboys 16-24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- LTampa Bay Buccaneers 14-17 Green Bay Packers
Key stats
Trends · last 5 matches
Injury report
Tampa Bay has ruled out outside linebacker Yaya Diaby (knee). Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot) is questionable, but he was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. He has missed the last two games. Tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe) was limited on Friday with no designation, and Todd Bowles expects him to play.
For Chicago, running back Kyle Monangai, defensive back Malik Muhammad and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson are questionable. Grady Jarrett, Theo Benedet, D'Marco Jackson and Joe Thuney all finished the week as full participants.
The Bears still have tight end Cole Kmet (knee) and Braxton Jones (knee) on injured reserve. Tampa Bay keeps Jalen McMillan (knee) and Josh Hayes (knee) there.
We think the Bears will win 27-20. They have scored 30 or more in three of their last five games and they play at home. Tampa Bay's ground game should keep it close, but without Diaby and with a limited passing attack, the Bucs may struggle to keep pace.
Quick questions
What time is Bears vs Buccaneers?
It kicks off on Sunday, November 8 at 7:20 PM (Mexico City time) at Soldier Field.
Where can I watch Bears vs Buccaneers?
Mexico: ESPN and Disney+. USA: NBC and Peacock.
Who is in better form for Bears vs Buccaneers?
In their last 5 games, Bears have 4 wins and Buccaneers have 3 wins.
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