Bears predictions: Week 4 vs. Buccaneers

The Chicago Sun-Times’ experts offer their predictions for the Bears’ Week 4 game Sunday against the Buccaneers:

RICK MORRISSEY

Buccaneers, 27-20: Bucs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick figures to be the starter. He also figures to come out slinging the ball. The Bears really need Mitch Trubisky to take a step this week to combat that. Season: 3-0.

RICK TELANDER

Bears, 21-20: I’m risking my perfect record, but ice meets fire — Bears’ defense vs. Fitzpatrick — and ice wins. A few rare drips of Trubisky help. Season: 3-0.

ADAM L. JAHNS

Bears, 20-17: This is a prove-it game for the Bears’ defense. If it really is an elite unit, it will slow down the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense and figure out “Fitzmagic.” Season: 2-1.

PATRICK FINLEY

Bears, 23-17: Trubisky got beat up by the NFL’s 30th-ranked defense in terms of yards last week. This week, he gets to face No. 31. If he can’t lead the Bears to at least 20 points, Trubisky and the Bears have problems even a bye week won’t fix. Season: 2-1.

MARK POTASH

Bears, 24-20: A red-hot Fitzpatrick could be dicey against the Bears’ short-handed secondary. But the defense as a whole is red-hot, as well. The offense has a winnable matchup, which should make the difference. Season: 3-0.