The Chicago Bears are looking for their fourth straight win, and their straight in primetime, as they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. This game could come down to the run game, as both teams have highly rated running offenses and both have top-ranked run defenses.

This will also be a momentous game for the Bears as it will be their first home game since trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. It will be his first opportunity to appearance Chicago’s fans in Soldier Field, although they did show up in force in Lumen Field for their Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks. As in every home game, the fans will play a role in helping Chicago’s defense keep the Buccaneers offense out of rhythm.

Here is what it would take for the Bears to win this game and what it would take for Chicago to lose this game to Tampa Bay.  

Why the Bears will win

The Bears will win this game because they will systematically pick Tampa Bay’s defense apart, just like they did against the Seahawks. Quarterback Caleb Williams will get the ball downfield to his top playmakers - receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as tight end Colston Loveland. They will also get the run game going with D’Andre Swift.

Defensively, the Bears will win this game because they will contain the Buccaneers’ run game. Chicago had success stopping the run earlier this season before the Simmons trade, most notably against the Atlanta Falcons with elite running back, Bijan Robinson. Having Simmons on the defensive line only improves their run defense, as well as their pass rush. Chicago’s defense wins this game not only by stopping the run, but also by making Tampa Bay’s quarterback, Baker Mayfield, uncomfortable.

Why the Bears won’t win

The Bears will not win this game because of Tampa Bay’s run game. They just put up over 300 rushing yards last week and have a lot of confidence in what they are able to do in the trenches. The Buccaneers will look to give Chicago a taste of their own medicine, using the run game to control time of possession and get points on the board.

This strategy also allows Tampa Bay’s defense to get after the Bears’ offense more because Williams and the rest of the offense will have a harder time getting into a rhythm because they are not on the field. Relying on the run game and defense is the only way the Buccaneers can win this game because, based on his performance this year, Tampa Bay will not win if the game is in Mayfield’s hands.