Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preview, Injury Updates, Predictions

Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the 2020 NFL season as firm favorites to make the playoffs with some eye-catching roster moves in the offseason. However, an opening weekend loss to NFC South rivals, New Orleans Saints, put them in a humbling position heading into Week Two of the season. Tom Brady and his teammates have kept their calm and have won all three games since then to sit atop the NFC South Division.

On the flip side, Chicago Bears were unbeaten in the league after three games. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Nick Foles replaced the young Mitchell Trubisky as the starter. However, the Bears suffered their first loss of the season last weekend against Phillip Rivers-led Indianapolis Colts.

Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and Week Five game day predictions.

ALSO READ – “It’s Not About the Supporting Cast”- Former NFL Quarterback Tips Aaron Rodgers For MVP

NFL Preview

Will Chicago Bears be able to pull off an upset on Thursday night?

It’s been an up and down season for Matt Nagy’s Chicago Bears so far. The NFC North outfit registered three successive wins in the opening weeks of its 2020 NFL campaign. However, they fell to a narrow 11-19 loss against the Indianapolis Colts in Week Four.

Last weekend’s game was quarterback Nick Foles’ first as a starter for the Bears. He completed 26 of his 42 attempted passes, throwing for 249 yards and one touchdown.

Coach Matt Nagy will hope that his experienced shot-caller will work some of the ‘Nick Foles magic’ on Thursday night against the Buccaneers. The Bears defense, led by Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Kyle Fuller, will need to put in a strong display if they want to stop Tom Brady and the rest of his offensive supporting cast.

Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers beginning to build some momentum

This game could prove to be a tricky challenge for coach Bruce Arians and his superstar team. The Buccaneers are currently on a three-game winning streak. Tom Brady was the star last weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers. He threw for 359 yards with five passing TDs and just one interception.

Brady will be without WR Chris Godwin and RB LeSean McCoy who are both dealing with injury niggles. Star wideout, Mike Evans, will be the key man for the Bucs tonight. In defense, Shaquil Barrett and Lavonte David will look to build on their strong start to the season. They will aim to thwart the Bears offense with Nick Foles calling the shots at Soldier Field on Thursday.

ALSO READ – “They Don’t Want to Play Football”- Former NFL Star Rips Apart Dallas Cowboys Defense

NFL Preview: Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Updates

Chicago – Out

S Deon Bush – Hamstring

Questionable

WR Darnell Mooney – Shoulder

Doubtful

S Sherrick McManis – Hamstring

Tampa Bay – Out

WR Chris Godwin – Hamstring

RB LeSean McCoy – Ankle

WR Justin Watson – Chest

Doubtful

RB Leonard Fournette – Ankle

Questionable

WR Mike Evans – Ankle

WR Scotty Miller – Hip/Groin

ALSO READ – Tampa Bay Coach Bruce Arians Compares Justin Herbert to Patrick Mahomes

Bears vs Buccaneers Prediction

Chicago Bears 24 – 33 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bruce Arians’ side will start this game as favorites, simply due to last week’s performance against the Chargers. ‘Tampa Brady’ turned back the clock with some sensational plays throughout the game. He will be expected to do the same against the Bears tonight.

We are all aware of the threat that Nick Foles poses as a quarterback. On his night, the experienced shot-caller is virtually unplayable. But can he find his ‘mojo’ after a dismal outing against the Colts last week? We’ll find out soon enough.