NFL Betting - Bears to Get Defensive against Buccaneers Team with Quarterback Issues

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS 1-1 O/U) bounced back from their season-opening 24-20 road loss to the New Orleans Saints nicely on Sunday, beating the rebuilding Atlanta Falcons 24-9 in their home opener.

The Chicago Bears, (1-1 SU, 1-0-1 ATS, 0-2 O/U) lost a gut-wrenching contest to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, losing 20-17 one week after winning their season-opener by shocking the Indianapolis Colts 29-13.

Tampa Bay has not stood out in any specific area statistically other than the team’s seventh ranked rushing attack which is averaging 155.0 yards per contest so far. Ranked just 23rd in total yards allowed defensively, the Bucs are ranked 10th in defensive scoring, allowing just 10.0 points per game so far this season.

Chicago is ranked just 24th in overall offense but is averaging 149.0 rushing yards per game, which is good for ninth in the league. The Bears have also gotten back to looking like the powerful defensive unit they were two years ago, ranking sixth in overall defense.

The Bears have allowed just 171.0 passing yards per game, (ranked 11th) and just 83.5 rushing yards per game, (ranked eigth).

Tampa Bay is also going through a bit of off-field drama with head coach Jon Gruden benching starting quarterback Jeff Garcia in favor of veteran backup Brian Griese while using injury as an excuse for making the switch, although Garcia says he is undeniably healthy enough to start.

“We certainly need Jeff Garcia. What his role is will be defined on a weekly basis,” Gruden said.

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my analysis and NFL Wagering Free Picks:

Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games

Tampa Bay is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

Tampa Bay is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road

Chicago is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Chicago is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games at home

Chicago is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chicago's last 20 games at home

Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay

NFL Odds

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 -110

Chicago Bears -3 -110

Over 35½ -110

Under 35½ -110

Analysis: I’ll keep this pick short and sweet for the BetUS NFL online sports wagering community, by saying that I fully expect the Chicago Bears to bounce back from last week’s heart-breaking loss by keeping the Buccaneers mediocre offense in check just long enough for its own mediocre offense to put up just enough to actually pull this contest out. Take the Bears to cover the spread narrowly.

NFL Free Picks: Bears 21 Buccaneers 17