Bears vs. Buccaneers: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

When the 3-3 Chicago Bears and 4-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers play each other on Sunday across the pond in London for the NFL's annual game there, it will be a battle between two teams that are very difficult to figure out.

The Bears have been very up and down this season as they are capable of looking spectacular (wins over Atlanta and Minnesota), but also equally capable of looking completely absolutely terrible (losses to New Orleans and Green Bay). Getting all-purpose running back Matt Forte going will go a long way in determining which Bears we will see on Sunday.

Tampa Bay is very similar in that way. They followed up an embarrassing 48-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers with an inspiring home win over the New Orleans Saints last week. Much like the Saints, though, you're never sure which Bucs team is going to show up.

With that said, Sunday's matchup is sure to be an extremely unpredictable one.

Where: Wembley Stadium in London, England

When: Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX; WFLD My Chicago and FOX 13 (Tampa)

Listen: WBBM 780 AM (Chicago) and WFUS 103.5 FM (Tampa); Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM Internet 866 (Chicago) and XM 229 (Internet 874, Tampa)

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: Chicago Bears (-1)

What's at Stake?

Both the Bears and Buccaneers have every intention of making the playoffs this season, so this game will be vitally important to the NFC postseason picture. The Bears likely won't be repeat-NFC North winners as the 6-0 Green Bay Packers are in first, but they are in the thick of things in the wild-card race and would love to knock Tampa Bay down a peg.

The Buccaneers are currently tied atop the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints whom they defeated last week at home. Tampa Bay's division is stacked with the Atlanta Falcons in addition to them and New Orleans, so every week is important if the Bucs want to win the division or make the playoffs as a wild card.

Bears Injury Report

Out: DL Matt Toeaina (knee)

Questionable: TE Kellen Davis (elbow), WR Earl Bennett (chest), OL Gabe Carimi (knee)

Buccaneers Injury Report

Out: RB LeGarrette Blount (knee)

Questionable: LB Mason Foster (ankle), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot), DL Gerald McCoy (ankle)

What They're Saying

While most NFL franchises have been reluctant to give up a home game to play in the NFL's annual London game, that hasn't been the case for the Bucs, though, as they will be the "home" team in London for the second time in three years, according to Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune.

"I understand what the league is doing—they're looking for new (revenue) streams," said veteran Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber. "The commitment to England is pretty evident, and it has its merits. It makes for an interesting trip for the guys and gives you a chance to be a little more global as a league."

Bears Player to Watch: WR/KR Devin Hester

Chicago Bears wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester extended his NFL record in return touchdowns last week by taking a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. That return marked the 16th return touchdown of his storied career.

Hester also had his biggest contribution as receiver last week by catching five balls for 91 yards and a score. There is little question that Hester is Chicago's biggest weapon as he can change the game on special teams and make explosive plays on offense. The Bucs will have to know where Hester is on the field at all times.

Buccaneers Player to Watch: RB Earnest Graham

With powerful running back LeGarrette Blount out with a knee ailment last week, veteran Earnest Graham started in the backfield and was a big reason for Tampa's upset win over New Orleans as he ran for over 100 yards and made a couple catches as well.

Graham will have to be good again this weekend against a Chicago team that has struggled in all facets of defense. The Bucs don't have a particularly explosive offense, so running the ball is extremely important. If Graham can help the Buccaneers control the ball, then they stand a great chance on Sunday.

Key Matchup: Bears' Offensive Line vs. Buccaneers' Pass-Rush

It is no secret that the Chicago Bears' offensive line has struggled mightily in pass protection not only this season, but over the past couple seasons. Jay Cutler is one of the league's most sacked quarterbacks and is often hurried into making bad decisions.

The Bucs have a vast array of pass-rushers who could certainly give Chicago's offensive line some major problems. If the line can generally hold up like it did last week against Minnesota, then Cutler and the Chicago offense will be fine—if not, it could be a rough Sunday in London for the Bears.

On the Hot Seat: OL Lance Louis

While no part of Chicago's offensive line has been particularly strong this season, the weak link has probably been Lance Louis, who has been moved all around the line due to injuries and overall ineffective play.

He has been removed from the lineup as well, but Gabe Carimi's injury forced him back in. Chicago doesn't have many other options at this point, but if he continues to get beat, then the Bears can't possibly leave him in there. He really needs a strong performance to save his starting job, however temporary it may be.

Prediction

Buccaneers 20, Bears 17