The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) and Chicago Bears (3-1) kick off the Week 5 schedule Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET in Chicago at Soldier Field (on FOX/NFL Network). Here, we analyze the Buccaneers-Bears Week 5 matchup, including the betting odds, spread and lines, and look at the best NFL betting options.
Buccaneers at Bears betting odds and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:53 p.m. ET
- Money line: Buccaneers -189 (Bet $189, win $100) | Bears +160 (Bet $100, win $160)
- Against the spread/ATS: Buccaneers -3.5 (-110) | Bears +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Buccaneers at Bears game notes
- The Buccaneers dropped their Week 1 opener in New Orleans, but they have rattled off three consecutive victories while averaging 32.3 PPG. QB Tom Brady became the oldest player in NFL history to throw for five touchdowns in a game last week – in a 38-31 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers.
- The Bucs are averaging just 97.8 rushing yards per game to rank 27th, but they’re ninth in passing yards per game with 273.8 and eighth in the NFL with 30.0 PPG.
- Defensively, the Bucs might not get as much attention as their future Hall of Fame quarterback brings, but they are allowing just 312.0 total yards per game to rank fourth, and they’re second in the NFL with only 64.3 rushing yards per game.
- The Bears tasted defeat for the first time last week, falling at home to the visiting Indianapolis Colts 19-11. A late Chicago score made it look closer than it actually was. Chicago is averaging just 14.0 PPG in two home games, going 1-1 SU/0-2 ATS with a pair of Under results.
- Chicago ranks in the top 10 with 345.3 total yards per game (8th), 230.3 passing yards per game (9th) and 20.3 points per game allowed (7th).
Buccaneers at Bears key injuries
Buccaneers
- WR Mike Evans (ankle) questionable
- RB Leonard Fournette (ankle) questionable
- DE William Gholston (neck) probable
- WR Chris Godwin (hamstring) questionable
- TE Rob Gronkowski (shoulder) probable
- TE O.J. Howard (Achilles) IR
- RB LeSean McCoy (ankle) doubtful
- WR Scotty Miller (hip, groin) questionable
- LB Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) probable
- WR Justin Watson (chest) questionable
Bears
- SS Deon Bush (hamstring) questionable
- LB Khalil Mack (knee) probable
- FS Sherrick McManis (hamstring) questionable
Buccaneers at Bears: Odds, betting lines, picks and prediction
Prediction
Buccaneers 26, Bears 16
Money line (?)
The Buccaneers (-189) will cost you nearly two times your potential return. While Tampa won its most recent road contest at the Denver Broncos, it is just 1-1 straight-up (SU) away from the Ray Jay this season. They’re too risky to bet here, especially with TE Howard landing on the IR list this week and WRs Evans, Godwin, Miller and Watson questionable. Brady could be without several of his top weapons, and that also makes Tampa a risky play. AVOID.
Against the spread (?)
The BUCCANEERS -3.5 (-110) showed last week they could overcome adversity, as Godwin was inactive and Howard left with an Achilles’ injury. The Bears +3.5 (-110) saw QB Nick Foles lay a huge egg in his first start with the team against a sturdy defense from Indianapolis. Tampa has a nasty D, too, and that’s the reason to back the Bucs in this one.
Over/Under (?)
The UNDER 44.5 (-110) is awfully low, but it’s worth a small-unit play. The Bears have hit the Under in each of their two home games, and the Under is 1-1 in Tampa’s two road contests. This will be a defensive struggle with plenty of field goals.
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Also see:
- Bucs TE Howard out for season (Bucs Wire)
- 6 storylines for Thursday night (Bears Wire)
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