Buccaneers 2017 season preview: Game predictions

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) and teammates huddle up against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) and teammates huddle up against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Week 2: vs Chicago Bears, 1:00 PM

Following the trip to Miami, the Bucs will return home to face the Chicago Bears. The Bucs drubbed the Bears in last year’s week 10 matchup, 36-10. Chicago is coming off a poor 3-13 season, which landed them the third overall pick. Former Bucs QB Mike Glennon signed with the Bears this offseason, so it is very likely the Bucs could be facing him. Glennon may be ready to show his former team what they missed out on.

The Bucs should be able to coast through this game easily. Tampa Bay routed the Bears last year and the Bucs roster has only improved this year. The Bucs put up 36 points in the matchup last year, and that is obviously prior to DeSean Jackson‘s arrival, as well as the selection of O.J. Howard. Don’t sleep on the defense either. During last year’s winning streak, they were performing near the level of 2002.

This game should be a blowout victory for Tampa, but it will be interesting to see how Glennon performs. The Bucs win their second straight, and the national media starts to rumble about what’s going on in Tampa.

Prediction: Buccaneers win 31-7, move to 2-0.

Schedule