2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: First quarter predictions

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on form the field during a break in play in the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on August 26, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on form the field during a break in play in the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on August 26, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids a tackle by Tyeler Davison #95 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoids a tackle by Tyeler Davison #95 of the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Following a two-score win, the Buccaneers will come home to Tampa with confidence and plenty of hype for their first regular season game in Raymond James Stadium.

Depending on what happens week one for the Bears, the Bucs may or may not be facing former Tampa Bay quarterback Mike Glennon.

Of course, they could also be facing second overall pick from the 2016 NFL Draft, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

No matter what, the team should see running back Jordan Howard, and he’s going to be the key to stopping the Chicago offense in this one.

It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, putting him in second and third-and-long situations will work best for the Bucs defense.

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With Cameron Meredith injured and Victor Cruz released, Chicago will have to lean on a trio of Kevin White, Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright.

A player to look out for in this one will be rookie Tarik Cohen. He did some impressive things in the preseason, and if the Bears find a way to work him in, he could be a big-play threat.

Against the Chicago defense, this could be the week to stream Rodgers into your fantasy rosters.

Last year, the “Monsters of the Midway” surrendered the sixth most rushing touchdowns and ranked the same in yards allowed.

The secondary was immensely better against the pass than their front-side counterparts, so a heavy dose of the run should be called for.

With limited weapons on the field for whichever inexperienced quarterback the Bears put out against the Buccaneers, Koetter’s team should protect the home field and begin the year 2-0.

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