The Bears hardly resemble the team that played in the NFC title game last season. Their defense has been ragged and their offense uneven. Their secondary is a major problem, and the Bucs — like they did against the Saints last week — perhaps can take advantage. That's provided Tampa Bay can stop running back Matt Forte.
Probable starters
Bucs offense
WR: Mike Williams 19
LT: Donald Penn 70
LG: Ted Larsen 62
C: Jeremy Zuttah, 76
RG: Davin Joseph 75
RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65
TE: Kellen Winslow 82
WR: Arrelious Benn 17
QB: Josh Freeman 5
RB: Earnest Graham 34
FB: Erik Lorig 44
Bucs defense
LDE: Michael Bennett 71
DT: Frank Okam 98
DT: Brian Price 92
RDE: Adrian Clayborn 94
SLB: Quincy Black 58
MLB: Mason Foster 59
WLB: Geno Hayes 54
LCB: Aqib Talib 25
RCB: Ronde Barber 20
SS: Sean Jones 26
FS: Tanard Jackson 36
special teams
P: Michael Koenen 9
PK: Connor Barth 10
KO: Michael Koenen 9
PR/KR: Preston Parker 87
Bears offense
WR: Devin Hester 23
LT: J'Marcus Webb 73
LG: Chris Williams 74
C: Roberto Garza 63
RG: Chris Spencer 67
RT: Lance Louis 60
TE: Kellen Davis 87
WR: Roy Williams 11
QB: Jay Cutler 6
RB: Matt Forte 22
FB: Tyler Clutts 44
Bears defense
LDE: Israel Idonije 71
DT: Henry Melton 69
DT: Matt Toeaina 76
RDE: Julius Peppers 90
SLB: Lance Briggs 55
MLB: Brian Urlacher 54
WLB: Nick Roach 53
LCB: Tim Jennings 26
RCB: Charles Tillman 33
SS: Major Wright 27
FS: Chris Conte 47
special teams
P: Adam Podlesh 8
PK: Robbie Gould 9
KO: Robbie Gould 9
PR/KR: Devin Hester 23
Injury report
BUCS — Out: C Jeff Faine (biceps), WR Sammie Stroughter (ankle). Doubtful: RB LeGarrette Blount (knee). Questionable: DT Gerald McCoy (ankle), TE Luke Stocker (knee). Probable: DE Michael Bennett (groin), LB Mason Foster (ankle).
Bears — Out: T Gabe Carimi (knee), DT Matt Toeaina (knee). Probable: WR Earl Bennett (chest), TE Kellen Davis (elbow), WR Devin Hester (chest), S Anthony Walters (knee), S Major Wright (hip).
Stat pack
1 p.m., Wembley Stadium, London TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM Line/over-under: Bears by 1; 43½
avg. Rushing yards
avg. passing yards
avg. total yards
avg. Rushing yards allowed
avg. passing yards allowed
avg. total yards allowed
Bucs
bears
111.8 (15th)
104.3 (20th)
114.5 (18th)
121.8 (22nd)
238.7 (14th)
223.5 (21st)
276.0 (26th)
275.5 (25th)
350.5 (15th)
327.8 (21st)
390.5 (25th)
397.3 (29th)
Bears' best offensive player
Matt Forte is, arguably, the most complete running back in the NFL. He can run, catch and block with the best and leads the Bears in rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards. He averages 6.7 yards per touch, including 5.3 per carry.
Bears' best defensive player
End Julius Peppers, now 31, is getting older, but he's still a handful for offensive tackles. If the Bucs end up with too many third-and-long situations today — which they often do — Peppers will have a chance to impact the outcome of this game.
The Bucs must avoid …
Letting Matt Forte beat them. The running back is, by far, the biggest component of the Bears offense. If the Bucs don't at least keep him in check, they likely will lose. The Bears go as he goes.
What the Bears do best
The Bears are extraordinary on special teams. More than half of their 128 points have come on special teams either as a result of Robbie Gould (13-for-13 on field goals) or Devin Hester, who has two returns for scores.
You can beat the Bears if …
You establish a running game. This likely will open up opportunities to test a secondary that has been particularly disappointing. The Bears are giving up 275.5 passing yards per game.
Prediction Bucs 24, Bears 21
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