Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Chicago. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Bet Thursday Night Football: After going 11-4 in Week 4, Jared Hackmyer looks to continue his success with Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Bucs

Buccaneers at Bears starts at 8:20 pm EDT.

Buccaneers (-5.5) vs BEARS (46)

Jared’s Pick: Buccaneers

Breakout Player: TE Rob Gronkowski

This Thursday, Chicago, one of the best defenses in the league, will face, Tampa Bay, one of the best offenses in the league. The downside for Tampa Bay, is their injuries. Last week, the Buccaneers were missing WR Chris Godwin and RB Leonard Fournette. In addition to Godwin and Fournette, WR Mike Evans is now questionable for Thursday with an ankle injury. It was reported by NFL insider, Adam Caplan, that the three players did not practice on Tuesday. This offense has been struggling with injuries since week one. Tampa Bay took another big loss this week when TE OJ Howard tore his achilles, ending his 2020 season. Expect TE Rob Gronkowski to get more targets after a light start.

Tampa Bay’s defense has been very dominant. Their defense ranks 4th in yards, and 8th in points let up per game. With this Chicago offense not being able to establish their true quarterback, Tampa Bay could give them a hard time.

Chicago’s defense is definitely not one you want to face when you’re short star players. If Godwin, Evans, and Fournette are all inactive this week, Tampa Bay will likely not have a fun time on offense.

Chicago’s defense has been electric for the past three seasons. After a weak 2019, they are 3-1 and hoping to compete again. The Bears rank 8th in total yards, and 7th in points let up per game. Chicago’s passing defense is also significantly better than Tampa Bay’s: Bad news for Tom Brady and his depleted receiving corps.

The Bears have had a hard time establishing their true QB1 after benching Mitch Trubisky in week 3 against Atlanta. Nick Foles came into the game, and led them to a comeback win against the Falcons. After Foles not being able to get the win against Indianapolis in week 4, some people are beginning to question if either quarterback is right for this team. Chicago ranks very low in almost all categories on offense.

Tampa Bay’s defense has been playing great lately, and regardless of the Buccaneers’ offensive injuries, I see Tampa Bay winning this game.

Jared Hackmyer is founder of GOATNYG on Instagram.

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