Chicago Bears (3-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
October 24, 2021 4:25 pm EDT
The Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -13.5 ; Over/Under: 47
(Get latest betting odds)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears meet Sunday afternoon in week 7 NFL action from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Chicago is coming off a 10-point loss to the rival Packers. As for the Buccaneers, they managed a six-point win over the Eagles last Thursday. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Chicago has had their ups and downs this year at 3-3 so far. The Bears’ wins have come versus the Bengals 20-17, the Lions 24-14 and the Raiders 20-9. Otherwise Chicago has lost to the Rams 34-14, the Browns 26-6 and the Packers 24-14.
In the loss to Green Bay, Chicago had a brief 7-0 lead but didn’t score again until the fourth quarter. QB Justin Fields finished on 174 yards, one TD and a pick. Khalil Herbert had 97 yards and a TD rushing, and Allen Robinson put up 53 yards from four receptions.
Over on the Buccaneers’ side, they’re rolling along well at 5-1. Tampa’s only blemish was a 34-24 loss to the Rams. Outside of that the Bucs have beaten the Cowboys 31-29, the Falcons 48-25, the Patriots 19-17, the Dolphins 45-17 and the Eagles 28-22.
In the win over the Eagles last Thursday, Tampa was outscored 15-7 in the second half but still held on. QB Tom Brady finished with 297 yards, two scores and a pick. Leonard Fournette led the rush on 81 yards and two scores from 22 carries.
The Bears are 2-5 ATS versus a team with a winning record and 1-4 ATS in their last five versus the NFC. Chicago is 1-7 ATS in their last eight in Week 7 as well.
Meanwhile, the Bucs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games and 3-1-1 ATS in their last five in Week 7. Tampa is 4-14-1 ATS in their last 19 in October and 4-1 ATS in their last five as a home favorite.
PICK: I’m going to take a stab on the Bears here; the line is just a little too thick. Chicago had their moments against the Packers in their last game, but still posted a tepid 277 total yards and 4.9 yards per play. The good news is that the Bears have hit 20 or more points in three of their last five games; they haven’t been consistent on either side of the ball so far, though.
As for Tampa, they dominated the Eagles 399-213 in total yardage and 27-16 in first downs but still had to hang on for the victory with a rough second half. I still like the Bucs to win this game decisively, but I think Chicago can get in there on a cover.
Andrew's Free Pick: Chicago Bears +13.5
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