Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFL Week 16 Pick

Nov 23, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith (right) greets Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Every game has at least a little meaning in the NFL, even between teams out of the playoff picture.  The Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to prove that when they decide who wants to go into 2016 on a high note.

Backdrop:

Focus for these two teams has shifted from playoff contention to that of building momentum for 2016.  The Bears once again reunite with former head coach Lovie Smith, who has something special going with rookie quarterback Jameis Winston and a promising Buccaneers roster.

This time he’ll have a reeling Bears team at home that is just trying to right the ship from a three-game skid that crushed their postseason dreams.  Head coach John Fox is already evaluating the roster, picking out which players he’ll want on the team next year and which ones may be likely to go.

Matchup To Watch:

TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins vs. ILB Shea McClellin

Throughout the second half of the season, the weakness of the Bears defense has been plainly evident, which is a constant struggle of their inside linebackers, whether it be stopping the run or particularly trying to cover the opposing tight ends.  So it’s no surprise it could be the matchup of Shea McClellin and Austin Seferian-Jenkins that decides who gains the upper hand.

Both players have cooled off somewhat following a hot start to the season.  Seferian-Jenkins hasn’t had more than three catches or 31 yards in a game since early September while McClellin has been routinely victimized by seemingly every tight end he’s forced to cover.  Something will have to give in this showdown.

Key Stat:

The Buccaneers defense has played tough at times this season but it hasn’t been perfect.  Pass coverage remains a problem.  They’ve allowed 245 yards per game on the season, 19th in the NFL and it’s a big reason why they’ve been giving up 25 points per game.  This is something quarterback Jay Cutler must try to exploit for Chicago.

The 33-year old is in the midst of his most efficient season as a pro but has struggled through a series of setbacks, mostly due to injuries both to him and key players around him.  The Bears passing attack hasn’t been able to find a rhythm.  This could be their last chance to find it.

Prediction:  Buccaneers win 30-27

The key difference between Tampa Bay and Chicago the Bucs have found their identity.  They know what kind of team they are and what they’re building towards.  The Bears haven’t found that yet, still so early in the tenure of head coach John Fox.  It will prove to be a good game but in the end a late drive by Winston against a depleted defense seals the win.