Buccaneers vs. Bears prediction, odds, time: NFL Week 9 'Sunday Night Football' picks from proven model — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- SportsLine chose Over 47.5 after 10,000 simulations, projecting 49 combined points and a 54% hit rate against the listed 46.5 total; the model entered Week 9 on a 60-51 top-rated run dating to 2024.
- Chicago Bears brought a 6-2 record, second place in the NFC North and a 3-1 home mark in 2026 into Sunday’s bid for a fourth straight win, following a 34-17 road win over Seattle.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrived 3-5 and tied for second in the NFC South, with two consecutive wins and a 2-1 road record after a 16-0 shutout of Atlanta.
- Caleb Williams completed 70.9% of his passes for 1,267 yards and six touchdowns in five starts for Chicago.
- Baker Mayfield did not complete a pass in Tampa Bay’s 16-0 win, but has completed 61.8% for 679 yards and three touchdowns over the season.
- Bucky Irving powered Tampa Bay’s rushing attack with 147 carries, 728 yards, a 5.0 average and five touchdowns.
- Emeka Egbuka was listed as questionable with a foot injury before the 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff at Soldier Field.
Why it matters: For Sunday bettors, the 46.5 market total and the model’s Over 47.5 recommendation are materially different: 54% of 10,000 simulations favor the higher threshold, making the model’s choice a full point more demanding than the posted total for this game.
Ask SkimNews
