The Chicago Bears face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pivotal game with possible playoff implications on the line in London. The Bears must follow a few simple keys to ensure victory versus the Buccaneers.

Be Consistent on Offense
The Bears offense must continue the momentum they have gained from their recent success. The offense is starting to build confidence in their identity. In order to take the next step, the Bears offense must stick to the game plan that has allowed them to gain momentum. While I'm cautious about Martz' ability to stick to the game plan, Jay Cutler has shown that he will fight Martz if he tries to waver too far.

Capitalize on Freeman's Mistakes
Though the Buccaneers have a very solid running game, they went to the air 41 times out of 66 plays with quarterback Josh Freeman to beat the Saints. The young Freeman looked confident and poised last week though he was far from perfect. Out of Freeman's 41 attempts, he only completed 23 passes and came close to throwing several interceptions. I fully expect the Buccaneers to throw quite a bit out of play action and on running downs. The Bears must capitalize on the opportunities for takeaways that the young Freeman will provide them with.

Veterans Must Rise to the Occasion
Today's game in London must be seen as a playoff game as Lance Briggs called it earlier this week. The Bears best chance to get into the playoffs will be via the second wild card which the Buccaneers are likely to find themselves competing for as well. Should the Bears find themselves in a tie-breaker with the Buccaneers, this game will determine who would go to the playoffs. The Bears must play like seasoned veterans who are aware that their playoff lives are on the line today.

Final Pick: Bears 27 Buccaneers 20
I'm more confident than I've ever been this season in the Bears offense knowing that Jay Cutler will balance Mike Martz. I actually expect the offense to be able to score three touchdowns and at least two field goals. The Bears defense is going to be challenged in the passing game today, but Freeman will give them opportunities for takeaways and they should capitalize on at least one of them. The Bears veterans will rise to the occasion and realize that they have more on the line than the Buccaneers do.