Bears Blitz

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

Published by OddsShark.com on November 19, 2014
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just broke a five-game losing streak, and they actually haven’t been a bad bet lately, going 4-3 against the spread over their last seven games. The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, just snapped a three-game losing skid of their own. Former division rivals renew acquaintances when the 4-6 Bears host the 2-8 Bucs Sunday afternoon.

Point spread: The Bears opened as five-point favorites; the total was 46.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 17.0-16.0 Bears

Why the Buccaneers can cover the spread

The Buccaneers just beat the Redskins in Washington 27-7, winning outright as six-point underdogs. Tampa didn’t get a whole lot going with its running game, but quarterback Josh McCown, in his second start back from injury, hit on 15 of 23 throws for 288 yards and two touchdowns, with zero interceptions.

The Bucs had lost five games in a row, but two of those came in overtime, another came by five points and another came in a game against Atlanta in which they led in the fourth quarter. Finally, Tampa head coach Lovie Smith would probably love nothing more than to go into Soldier Field with his new team and beat the team that dumped him, so he’ll have his troops ready.

Why the Bears can cover the spread

The Bears just beat Minnesota 21-13, covering as field-goal favorites. Chicago trailed the Vikings 10-0 in the first quarter but rallied behind quarterback Jay Cutler, who threw for 330 yards and three scores, running back Matt Forte, who ran for 117 yards, and a defense that held Minnesota to 243 total yards. So for one week nerves were calmed in the Windy City.

The Bears rank 13th in total offense and 19th in total defense, but the minus-six turnover ratio has hurt. If Cutler can cut down on the mistakes, Chicago will have a good shot at a second consecutive win/cover.

Smart Pick

The smartest choice as far as this game is concerned might be the “pass” option, considering how inept these two teams can be. Chicago seems like the better team but probably shouldn’t be favored by as much as it is. And McCown, like Smith, might have a little added motivation, playing against his former team. So the smart money in this spot probably lies with the underdog Bucs, plus the points.

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