For the first time in almost a month, the Kansas City Chiefs are back at Arrowhead to play a game in front of their home fans. To celebrate, the fans get a prime-time Monday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Chiefs are coming off a wild win against the Raiders last week. While many might have thought this would be an easy game for the Chiefs, it was a hard-fought game until the very end. The Buccaneers are coming off a close loss against the Atlanta Falcons. It's not crazy to think they will seek revenge against the only undefeated team left in the NFL.
The Chiefs are 7-8 against the Buccaneers, including the loss in Super Bowl 55. The Chiefs have scored 310 points, while the Buccaneers have scored 329. In this contest, the Chiefs need to take advantage of the Buccaneers dealing with just as many injuries as they are. The defense needs to notice these weaknesses and fight accordingly.
Game Info
Date: Monday, November 4
Start Time: 7:15 p.m. CT
Location: Kansas City, Mo
Stadium: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
TV Info: ESPN (Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call)
Chiefs Uniform Info: Red Tops, White Bottoms
Buccaneers 2024 Statistical Rankings
Points Per Game: 29.4 (4th)
Points Allowed Per Game: 26.6 (28th)
Offensive Yards Per Game: 389.5 (4th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Per Game: 258.5 (2nd) and 131 (10th)
Defensive Yards Allowed Per Game: 387 (30th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 255.4 (29th) and 131.6 (19th)
Third Down Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 52.53% (1st) and 38.78% (19th)
Red Zone Offensive/Defensive Conversion Rate: 67.74% (3rd) and 54.84% (13th)
Penalties: 50 (tied 14th)
Penalty Yards: 390 (20th)
Players Already Ruled Out Before Monday
Buccaneers: Evan Deckers (LS), Mike Evans (WR), Greg Gaines (DT)
Chiefs: Nazeeh Johnson (S), Juju Smith-Schuster (WR), Michael Danna (DE), Jared Wiley (TE)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Defense
While the Buccaneers' offense has made headlines for its level of play this season, the defense has made headlines for its poor play. It has been statistically one of the worst defenses in the league, and it is easily the reason why the Buccaneers do not have a better record.
In the last four games, the Buccaneers have scored 138 points, yet they are 1-3. Those 138 points have led the NFL in that span. This is just a reflection of how bad the defense has been.
The defense must be extra hard on the Chiefs receivers in this game. The Buccaneers have especially struggled with yards after catch, and the Chiefs have several speedy receivers who can take advantage of that. If the Buccaneers can control the Chiefs receivers, they might have a shot at winning the game.
Offense
Despite losing their offensive coordinator in the offseason, the Buccaneers' offense has not lost any momentum this season. The issue is how sustainable this offense can really be in the long run. Injuries are mounting, and with Mike Evans out this week, the Buccaneers might face some troubles with the very capable Chiefs' defense.
One area where the Buccaneers have excelled this season is their passing game. Baker Mayfield's performance since joining Tampa Bay has been consistently impressive, and this season is no exception. However, with the absence of Chris Godwin and Evans, the continuation of this success is uncertain.
Despite the defensive struggles, the Buccaneers' offense has kept them in games. In this game, they need to find a way to continue creating positive opportunities and keep the team in the game until the end. The Buccaneers have been excellent on third downs and in the red zone, where the Chiefs' defense has excelled this season. If the Buccaneers are going to win, they are going to need to challenge the Chiefs' defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defense
It's no secret that the Chiefs' defense is one of the main reasons they are still undefeated. That did not change against the Raiders, where several key third-down saves helped the Chiefs come out on top. Last week, the Chiefs traded for Patriots edge rusher Joshua Uche, who will only add to the powerful defensive line.
The Buccaneers might be the toughest opponent yet for the Chiefs' defense, especially with their excellent scoring statistics. If the Buccaneers choose to run the ball, a bit of chaos might ensue.
In this game, the Chiefs need to focus on keeping the momentum. With the starting receivers out for the Buccaneers, the Chiefs need to ensure Cade Otton does not beat their methods. The defense needs to make Mayfield work.
Offense
The Chiefs might be undefeated, but their offense is arguably just getting started. Last week, Travis Kelce scored his first touchdown of the season, and the entire team is looking like they are finally on the same page.
The recent trade of DeAndre Hopkins will prove to be big in the long run. In his first game with the team, he only recorded two receptions. However, his veteran presence in the locker room will help younger stars like Xavier Worthy grow in his position, which is greatly needed with the injuries the Chiefs have dealt with this season.
In this game, Mahomes needs to make sure to cut back on interceptions. He leads the league, and there are so many other quarterbacks who many would expect to be in that position. The Buccaneers defense is one of the worst in the NFL, so Mahomes should take advantage of those statistics, and avoid giving them their offense the ball and the chance to score.
Betting Info
Points Spread: TB +9 (-110) | KC -9 (-110)
Moneyline: TB +350 | KC -455
Over/Under: TB O 46 (-108) | KC U 46 (-112)
Lines via DraftKings as of Sunday, November 3
Prediction
Although the Buccaneers will be looking for redemption after their last few losses, I just don't think they will be the team to hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season. This will be another hard-fought game for both teams, but the Chiefs will ultimately become 8-0.
Final Score: Chiefs 30, Buccaneers 24
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