Week 1 was wild in the NFL. There were plenty of upsets, including the Rams defeating the Seahawks. There were blowouts, like the Cowboys demolishing the Giants, 40-0.
Plenty of favorites also took care of business, with the Ravens, 49ers, and Eagles all putting one in the win column.
There were also significant injuries with Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) and J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) being lost for the season. On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers have lost Cameron Heyward (groin) for multiple weeks.
As we turn our attention towards Week 2, let’s examine a matchup between the Bears and Buccaneers in Tampa Bay.
Bears vs Buccaneers Odds
NFL odds used for this Chicago vs Tampa Bay preview were found at Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of September 13, 2023, and 3:00 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Buccaneers (-145) • Bears (+122)
- Spread: Buccaneers -2.5 (-115) • Bears +2.5 (-105)
- Total Points: Over 41.5 (-110) • Under 41.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Buccaneers 22, Bears 19.5
Bears vs Buccaneers Predictions
Score Pick: Buccaneers 20, Bears 17
The Buccaneers pulled off an upset of their own in Week 1, knocking off the Vikings in Minnesota. Their defense led the way, holding Kirk Cousins and company to 17 points.
The odd part was that Cousins had 344 passing yards to go along with two touchdowns and just one interception. Justin Jefferson had nine receptions for 150 yards. The key for the Buccaneers was holding them to 41 yards on 17 rushing attempts.
The Bears fell to the Packers in Week 1, which has become an all-too-familiar outcome for them when they face Green Bay. It didn’t matter that Rodgers was no longer at the helm.
Jordan Love threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns despite only throwing the ball 27 times. Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields racked up 59 yards on the ground, but only threw for 216 yards to go along with one touchdown and one interception.
Last season, the Bears were just 1-7 on the road. The Buccaneers doing so well against the run in Week 1 could be a concern for the Bears, given Fields’ struggles in the passing game.
Add in home-field advantage and the Buccaneers have a favorable opportunity to earn a victory.
Bears vs Buccaneers Best Bets & Props
Buccaneers (-145)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Bears having a 1-7 record on the road last season is a red flag. They have some exciting young players to build around, but their roster still has plenty of holes.
Baker Mayfield didn’t throw an interception in Week 1, which helped the Buccaneers pull off the win. If he can avoid turnovers again, the Buccaneers will be in a great spot to beat the moneyline with a win at home as my NFL bet of the day.
Mike Evans Anytime TD (+175)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
Mike Evans only recorded six touchdowns in what was a down campaign for him last season. Prior to that, he had back-to-back seasons with at least 13 touchdowns.
Part of his problem last year was that he was only targeted inside the red zone a total of 14 times over 15 games.
Evans started off this season with a bang, catching a touchdown against the Vikings. The Bears gave up three touchdown passes to Love in Week 1, two of which went to wide receiver Romeo Dobbs. Look for Evans to get another opportunity to score.
Total 1H Touchdowns: 2 (+200)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
Only one touchdown was scored in the first-half matchup between the Bears and Packers in Week 1. There were two combined touchdowns in the matchup between the Buccaneers and Vikings.
Neither of these teams has an explosive offense, so a high-scoring first half likely won’t be in the cards. Taking just one touchdown at +310 might be a long shot worth considering, but since we still get excellent odds for two scores, that’s the wager I prefer.
Bears vs Buccaneers Same Game Parlay
Bears vs Buccaneers SGP (+330)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
- Buccaneers (-145)
- Mike Evans Anytime TD (+175)
We’re on the Buccaneers to win this game since they have the advantage of playing at home. Both of their top two wide receivers, Evans and Chris Godwin are healthy, as well.
For the Buccaneers to come away with the win, Evans will likely need to find his way into the end zone. Godwin doesn’t exactly pile up touchdowns, recording a total of eight of them over the last two seasons.
The Buccaneers are also transitioning at running back, with Rachaad White replacing Leonard Fournette, who still has not signed with a team. White only had three total touchdowns last year and failed to reach the end zone in Week 1 this season.
