Way-too-early 2026 Bucs game preview: Chicago Bears
Our way-too-early game previews roll on as we look at the team's Week 9 matchup.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will head into primetime in Week 9 as they travel to Chicago for a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Bears . After back-to-back divisional games against Carolina and Atlanta, the Buccaneers now face another difficult road test under the national spotlight in one of the NFL’s most historic venues. And while playing in Chicago is never easy, Tampa Bay may have quietly caught a break with the timing of the game landing in early November rather than later in the brutal winter months.
The Storyline The biggest storyline surrounding this matchup is Tampa Bay heading into another major primetime game midway through the season. The Buccaneers continue receiving national attention under Baker Mayfield, and this Sunday Night Football matchup gives Tampa Bay another opportunity to prove itself against a young Chicago team expected to continue ascending in the NFC. There is also the weather factor.
Warm-weather teams historically struggle in Chicago later in the year, once temperatures begin dropping and wind conditions at Soldier Field become a major factor. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, this matchup arrives in early November rather than December or January, potentially helping the Buccaneers avoid the worst of Chicago’s winter conditions. Still, road primetime games in Chicago remain difficult regardless of the calendar.
Key Matchups Buccaneers pass rush vs. Bears offensive line Todd Bowles’ defense could have opportunities to impact the game if Tampa Bay’s front seven can consistently pressure the quarterback. The Buccaneers’ pass rush will need to disrupt timing early and avoid allowing Chicago’s offense to settle into rhythm, especially in front of an energized home crowd.