Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The NFL continues its International Series with the sixth regular-season game to take place off of American (or Canadian) soil. For the fifth consecutive season, there will be an NFL game at England's Wembley Stadium. The 2011 game will be between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the Buccaneers as the official home team.

This is the first time that the game at Wembley Stadium will host two NFC teams. The Buccaneers become the first team to play in two games in England. Their previous game was in 2009, when they lost 35-7 to the Patriots. Tampa Bay is also the only NFC team to lose in England.

The Bears enter the game at 3-3, sitting in third place in the NFC North. The Buccaneers are 4-2, which has them in a tie for the NFC South lead with the New Orleans Saints. Currently, Tampa Bay has the tiebreaker, as they have beaten the Saints this season, although the teams will play again in New Orleans.

This will be the first meeting between the Bears and Buccaneers since 2008. The Buccaneers won the last game 27-24 in overtime, in Chicago.

Where: Wembley Stadium. London, England

When: Sunday, October 23 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Spread: Bears (-1), according to Bodog

I don't really agree with this, but it's not far. At this spread, you're betting on who you think will win.

Personally, I would advise against this bet, but this is one of the weekend's best, most evenly matched games.

Over/Under: 43.5, according to Bodog

This seems high to me. I am not convinced that either team will hit 20. If they do, it won't be by much and I don't see the loser hitting it. Go under.  

Key Injuries

Bears T Gabe Carimi (knee) and DT Matt Toeaina (knee) are out.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (chest), TE Kellen Davis (elbow), WR Devin Hester (chest), S Anthony Walters (knee) and S Major Wright (hip) are probable.

Buccaneers C Jeff Faine (biceps), RB LaGarrette Blount (knee) and WR Sammie Stroughter (ankle) are out.

Buccaneers TE Luke Stocker (knee) and DT Gerald McCoy (ankle) are questionable.

Buccaneers DE Michael Bennett (groin) and LB Mason Foster (ankle) are questionable.

Fantasy Big Plays

Buccaneers RB Ernest Graham will be a workhorse with Blount out.

Bears RB Matt Forte has been one of the NFL's best players this year. He's always a must-play.

Either defense is also a good play. I don't see a lot of points coming from this one.

Keys to a Bears Win

The Bears will need to contain the Buccaneers' playmakers. Despite the 4-1 record, the Tampa Bay offense has been pretty ineffective this year. Chicago's best chance at winning this game is to keep that going.

That's a little easier said than done, as the Bears have had issues defending the pass at times this season.

Keys to a Buccaneers Win

If the Buccaneers find a way to pressure Jay Cutler, they will win this game. The Bears are doing more detailed blocking packages, but that's still a major hole on that team.

It's not Cutler's fault, but when they don't protect him, the offense is inept.

Prediction

This is a close game, but I give an edge to Tampa Bay. I like their chances at pressuring Jay Cutler and forcing the Bears offense into making mistakes.

Buccaneers 23, Bears 17