Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds, Picks and Preview - 10/24/2021

Game time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Where to watch: CBS

DraftKings: Buccaneers -12.5

BetMGM: Buccaneers -12

Caesars: Buccaneers -12

Bears: 3-3 (T-2nd, NFC North)

Buccaneers: 5-1 (1st place, NFC South)

Bears: lost 24-14 vs. Packers in Week 6

Buccaneers: won 28-22 at Eagles in Week 6

It would appear that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ run to the Super Bowl last season was just the appetizer.

Through six games, the main course has been just as delicious.

Tom Brady and the Bucs have a comfortable lead in the NFC South through the first third of the season, and they’ll look to keep things sizzling at home in a Sunday matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Tampa Bay is coming off a six-point win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football, so getting Brady a few extra days of rest is never a bad thing. Brady was spectacular, completing 81 percent of his passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in Philadelphia. The 34 of 42 ledger was his highest completion percentage of at least 40 attempts in his career.

That side of the ball continues to be dynamic almost every week. Between Mike Evans being the dangerous target he is on the outside, to Antonio Brown lining up wherever he wants and still making plays, it’s just another reminder that they haven’t had tight end Rob Gronkowski the past few weeks.

The champs are still winning and still dominating as October nears a close.

The Bucs have won three straight since being humbled in SoFI Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams. After a slow night at the New England Patriots in Brady’s homecoming, Tampa has responded with 45 points against the Miami Dolphins and 28 at Philly.

It’s going to be a test for the Chicago defense to do anything and everything to keep the Bears in it. Chicago’s offense continues to go through growing pains with rookie quarterback Justin Fields manning the helm. The first-round pick threw for 174 yards and had 43 on the ground last week in a 10-point loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

The Bears have relied heavily on a running game by committee with leading rusher David Montgomery out. Rookie running back Khalil Herbert had a career-high 97 yards and a touchdown last week.

Khalil Mack can only do so much, and that Bears offense is still not where it needs to be. I can see the Bucs letting up on the gas a tad, but not too much to avoid the cover. This is going to be an easy week for the Bucs as they move to 6-1 and keep pace with the NFC’s top teams. Bucs by 17

The Bears are 1-5 in their past six ATS coming off a loss against a division rival.

Chicago is 11-26 ATS since 1992 on the road when the total is between 45.5 and 49 points.

Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS in its last six against NFC North opponents.

Bears: One player who has suffered the most from the lack of passing efficiency is top pass catcher Allen Robinson. He had only four receptions for 53 yards against the Packers.

Buccaneers: Leonard Fournette is slowly becoming the lead back in Tampa’s offense. He had 127 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns against the Eagles.

Passing: Justin Fields -- 632 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT

Rushing: Khalil Herbert -- 179 yards, 1 TD

Receiving: Darrell Mooney -- 306 yards, 1 TD

Defense: Khalil Mack -- 6 sacks

Passing: Tom Brady -- 2,064 yards, 17 TD, 3 INT

Rushing: Leonard Fournette -- 332 yards, 3 TD

Receiving: Mike Evans -- 420 yards, 4 TD

Defense: Shaquil Barrett -- 4 sacks