2020 NFL Week 5 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears Preview & Pick
THE FACTS
When is Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears taking place? Friday 9th October, 2020 – 01:20 (UK)
Where is Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears taking place? Soldier Field, Chicago
What is the expected weather for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears? 14c, clear skies
What channel is Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears on? Sky Sports will be showing live NFL games during the season so it is worth checking their schedule
Where can I stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears? If televised on Sky, subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Subscribers to NFL GAMEPASS can also stream matches live on their platform
Where can I get tickets for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears? Check Ticketmaster for ticket information on selected games
What was the outcome in the last meeting? Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-48 Chicago Bears
THE TEAM NEWS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers started slowly in their clash with Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday but they produced a brilliant fightback to overcome a 17-point deficit to make it three consecutive wins and improve to 3-1 for the season.
- The Buccaneers defense improved immeasurably having allowed 24 points in the first half with the Chargers limited to a solitary TD in the second half with Tampa Bay doing enough with the ball to seal a 31-38 success.
- The Bucs suffered a big injury blow last week with TE O.J. Howard going down for the season with an Achilles injury so there will be an extra emphasis on Rob Gronkowski and the receiving corps but WR Chris Godwin remains in doubt for this contest with a hamstring issue.
CHICAGO BEARS
- Chicago Bears failed to maintain their perfect start to the season as they went down to Indianapolis Colts in what was a very winnable matchup but QB Nick Foles failed to fire in his first start since he was handed the starting job.
- The Colts took the lead in the first quarter and never looked back as they led for the rest of the contest with the Bears struggling on offense and their sole TD came in garbage time to give the scoreline a more favourable look than Chicago deserved.
- Foles could point to rustiness having made just 26 completions from 42 attempts and he will hope for better in this Thursday Night Football showdown but the Bears have some injury concerns on this short week with LB Khalil Mack questionable with a knee injury.
THE PREDICTION
Chicago Bears were perhaps fortunate to sit at 3-0 after Week 3 and they were punished for a lacklustre offensive performance as they suffered their first loss of the season against Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. They must now fix their issues quickly on this short week against Tampa Bay Buccaneers who also come into this with a 3-1 record. The Bucs have not looked too strong on defense but their offense is improving every week under QB Tom Brady having posted a season-high 38 points in their come-from-behind win over Los Angeles Chargers and the road team can continue their good run of form by making it four straight wins here whilst they can also cover the -4 spread.
