Bears vs. Buccaneers Prediction, Odds & Picks for Nov. 8: Chicago Keeps Rolling

Author Nick Crain | Published at November 8, 2026

Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) leaves the field after defeating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football in one of the more intriguing NFL matchups of Week 9. Chicago enters the contest with a 6-2 record and three consecutive victories, while Tampa Bay has recovered from a winless start to the season with three wins in its past four games.

Both teams have momentum, but the Bears have looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders when healthy. With Caleb Williams back in rhythm and the defense improving, Chicago has an opportunity to make another statement in front of a national audience.

Bears vs. Buccaneers Odds

Chicago enters Sunday night's matchup as strong playoff team and a six-point favorite at Soldier Field. The Bears have been one of the NFL's most impressive teams against the spread, and the betting market has increasingly favored them throughout the week.

Spread: Bears -6 (-106) | Buccaneers +6 (-113)
Moneyline: Bears -272 | Buccaneers +220
Total: Over 47.5 (-120) | Under 47.5 (-120)

All odds via DraftKings.

The Bears opened as 3.5-point favorites before the spread moved to six, reflecting growing confidence in Chicago's ability to win this matchup. Even with that movement, the Bears remain my preferred side.

Chicago Bears Betting Trends

Chicago is 6-2 against the spread this season, including 3-1 at home.
The Bears have covered six consecutive games against opponents outside the NFC North.
Chicago is 4-2 against the spread when favored this season.
The Bears have gone under the total in three of their four home games.
Chicago has scored at least 30 points in each of its last three contests, averaging 31.7 points during that stretch.

The Bears have been among the NFL's hottest teams, particularly since Williams returned from injury and look like a Super Bowl contender.

Chicago has won three straight games, including impressive victories over New England and Seattle. During that stretch, Williams has completed nearly 74% of his passes while throwing four touchdowns without an interception. The offense has become increasingly difficult to contain, and Chicago's ability to score in multiple ways has made it a legitimate contender in the NFC.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends

Tampa Bay is 3-5 against the spread this season, including 2-1 on the road.
The Buccaneers are 2-3 against the spread as underdogs.
Tampa Bay has gone 4-4 against the over/under this season.
The Buccaneers have rushed for 584 yards across their last two games.
Tampa Bay has won three of its last four games after opening the season 0-4.

The Buccaneers have found some momentum after an extremely disappointing start, particularly with their rushing attack. Tampa Bay has become one of the most productive rushing teams in the NFL, averaging nearly 169 yards per game. That approach has helped the Buccaneers control possession and protect quarterback Baker Mayfield.

However, their recent success has come against less formidable competition than Chicago, and the Bears present a significantly more difficult challenge on both sides of the ball.

Bears vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Chicago Bears -6 (-106)

My favorite Bears vs. Buccaneers prediction is Chicago covering the six-point spread at -106.

The Bears have been one of the most impressive teams in the NFL at various points this season. There have certainly been ups and downs, particularly when Williams was dealing with injuries, but when this team is healthy and clicking, it looks capable of beating just about anybody.

The offense has been spectacular recently, scoring at least 30 points in three consecutive games. Williams has been efficient, decisive and increasingly comfortable running Ben Johnson's system. But what makes Chicago particularly dangerous is how aggressively the organization has worked to improve the roster.

The Bears recently acquired Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee, and the All-Pro defensive tackle made an immediate impact in his debut against Seattle. Simmons finished with six tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss, helping Chicago limit the Seahawks to just 17 points.

His presence gives the Bears another difference-maker along the defensive line and makes an already productive defense even more dangerous. Tampa Bay deserves credit for turning its season around, especially with its commitment to running the football. However, the Buccaneers are still a 3-5 team facing one of the most talented rosters in the NFC.

Chicago has the personnel to make Tampa Bay's rushing attack less effective, which would force Mayfield into more passing situations. That is exactly where the Bears' improving pass rush could make a difference. The Buccaneers have been solid defensively, but slowing Williams and Chicago's offense for four quarters is a difficult assignment.

I expect the Bears to establish control early and maintain a comfortable advantage throughout the game and win moneyline while covering the spread.

Best Bet: Chicago Bears -6 (-106 via DraftKings)

Final Prediction: Bears 34, Buccaneers 20

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Bears vs. Buccaneers Over/Under Prediction: Over 47.5 (-120)

While both teams have capable defenses, I like the over at 47.5 points. Chicago has been one of the NFL's most productive offensive teams over the past three weeks, and Williams is playing some of the best football of his career.

The Bears have scored 95 points across their last three games, and there's little reason to believe that offensive production will suddenly disappear against Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have enough offensive talent to contribute to the total. Their rushing attack has been exceptional, and Mayfield can still create explosive passing plays when the offense needs them.

Chicago's defense has improved significantly, but Tampa Bay should be able to generate enough offense to help push this game over the number. Even if the Bears win comfortably, a score in the neighborhood of 34-20 would be enough to cash the over.

Best Total Bet: Over 47.5 (-120 via DraftKings)