Biggest keys to a Chicago Bears week 9 victory

The 6-2 Chicago Bears will walk into Soldier Field on Sunday night with a chance to potentially retake the lead in the NFC north and improve to 7-2.

The Bears will square off with the 3-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers led by quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Despite Tampa having a 3-5 record, they have a very impressive defense and still are playing for a chance to turn their season around. This could have the makings of a great Sunday night game.

Here are my biggest keys for a Bears week 9 victory.

The Chicago Bears defense needs to get rolling and pressure Baker Mayfield immediately

Chicago Bears Jeffery Simmons — Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

With the addition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, the Bears have found new life in their defense.

In last week’s win over Seattle, Dennis Allen ran a perfect gameplan for the pass rush. With Simmons out there, the defense was able to wreak havoc, only allowing Seattle to average 3 yards a play.

The biggest key is to keep the gas on the pedal and make Mayfield make mistakes.

Austin Booker and Montez Sweat had great performances Monday, as did Simmons. The defensive line needs to stay consistent and pressure the quarterback as much as possible.

Let Caleb Williams and the offense cook

Chicago Bears Caleb Williams — Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Offensively, they need to do what they did similar to the opening drive from week 8. Long drives that’ll take time off the clock.

Caleb Williams needs to get the ball out quickly and spread the wealth to his playmakers. I would expect Luther Burden to have another big showing as well, as he continues to cement himself as a top pass catcher for this team.

If D’Andre Swift can build off of his three touchdown game last week, the run game could explode early and get the Bears off to the right start. Getting the run game going early will open up more deep shots on play action, giving Williams an opportunity for a kill shot throw to open the game up completely.

Tampa Bay does lead the NFL in takeaways, so the offense must be smart at all costs as well.

If the Bears can do what they did against Seattle, they should be in great shape to move to a 7-2 record going into their bye week.

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