The 7-0 Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the 4-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Arrowhead Stadium for Monday Night Football. With kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. EDT on ESPN. The Chiefs head into this game as the league’s lone undefeated team and are riding high off their recent 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. Kansas City is on the brink of achieving more history after their latest victory helped them reach a 13-game win streak, tying a franchise record.
However, on the other side of the field, the Buccaneers through eight weeks of the season have found themselves struggling after a promising start to the season. After a strong 3-1 start, they have dropped their last three of four games. Their most recent loss came at the hand of a divisional rival, the Atlanta Falcons in a 31-26 defeat at home. The Buccaneers last victory came back in Week 6 when they dominated the New Orleans Saints 51-27. However ever since they suffered the injuries to their top two receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin their offense has had trouble closing out games.
Although Baker Mayfield has been able to put up favorable statistical numbers, it has not been able to translate into wins for his team, while the complete opposite has been true for Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes up to this point in the season, statistically speaking is having the worst season of his career but has found ways to manage games and come through with timely plays to help his team get over the edge.
Kansas City has displayed its ability to play as a complete team and close out games with wins. While the Buccaneers have not been able to come together on all three phases and it has caused this recent losing streak they are currently on.
Game/Team Matchup Info
The Kansas City Chiefs enter this game with the chance to add more historical achievements along with keeping their perfect season alive. If the Kansas City Chiefs can secure a victory against the Buccaneers, they will have set a new franchise record for consecutive wins at 14, continuing their impressive run from last season. The Chiefs and Bucs have faced one another a total of 15 times, and they currently sit at an 8-7 record with Tampa Bay heading into Monday’s matchup.
With Mahomes at the helm, the Kansas City Chiefs have faced Tampa Bay three times, with a 2-1 record in their favor. However, the one loss happens to be the most important which was Super Bowl 55, when the Buccaneers gave the Mahomes-Andy Reid-led Chiefs its worst postseason loss as a pairing to date. When they lost 31-9 at Raymond James Stadium on February 7, 2021, that iteration of the Buccaneers also became the first team in NFL history to capture a Super Bowl title on its home field.
Now this time around, new faces on both teams, and according to ESPN the Chiefs are 8.5 point favorites with the over/under set at 45.5. Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs despite being on this run, have yet to peak offensively. However, acquiring a steady force in the run game with Kareem Hunt and their recent trade for DeAndre Hopkins. They have another opportunity this week to take another step closer in that direction.
Conversely, the Buccaneers have struggled to maintain their early-season momentum and now sit in the middle of the NFC South. Tampa Bay has shown that they are a formidable team, but their issues with closing out games coupled with their inconsistencies in their other phases of the team.
Kansas City Chiefs Focus On Sharpening Offensive Execution
Despite their winning record, the Kansas City Chiefs know there’s still room for improvement, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Historically the Chiefs have been one of it not the best-rated offenses year after year. However this season, Kansas City is rated as the NFL’s 11th-best offense overall with their scoring offense ranked as 9th-best. Their passing offense which used to be the Kansas City Chiefs bread and butter is now ranked at 12th and their rushing offense is ranked at 13th.
After suffering a flurry of injuries to multiple offensive starters, the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to rebound a bit after some familiar signings and some new additions to the Kingdom. With the hope that they could find a spark offensively and ride it until they managed to become healthier toward the end of the season. In the meantime, newer acquisitions like Kareem Hunt, and DeAndre Hopkins are going to have to help alleviate some pressure off guys like rookie Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce who are currently expected to receive much of the attention offensively.
At least for now, Kareem Hunt has served as a serviceable replacement averaging 3.7 yards per carry. As for Hopkins, although he has only played in a single contest, he showed promise with his track record. He is going to be a problem for opposing defenses league-wide once he and Mahomes get on the same page. Kelce is coming off 10 receptions, 90 yards, and one touchdown game, the best of the season for him.
Worthy is still a rookie, but has shown flashes of excellent play. He will need to continue developing and by playing within an offense filled with veterans he will have every opportunity to do so and continue being a contributor to an offense that is on a steady upward trajectory.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seek To Bounce Back
As for the Buccaneers who have been on a steady downward spiral in recent weeks, they are hoping all of that will come to an end this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Liam Coen, the Buccaneers offensive coordinator has managed to find a way to work around losing his top two receiving options by leaning into their run game. A unit that ranks below average in rush attempts, is among the top 10 teams in total rushing yards, reaching over 1,000 for the season and averaging 5.1 yards per carry—third highest in the league.
This backfield which is led by rookie Bucky Irving has served as the most reliable area of offense for Tampa Bay. Although it is not just Irving the Kansas City Chiefs will have to worry about but also Rachaad White. In the last two games for the Buccaneers, White has caught three touchdown passes, bringing his total to eight. This versatility in the backfield should allow Tampa to remain competitive in Monday’s matchup. They will have to rely on these two backs to open up the rest of their offense as they face one of the league’s best defense units.
On the defensive side of the ball for the Buccaneers, they have been in a constant free fall ever since Todd Bowles took over as head coach. Despite their offensive gains, the Buccaneers’ defense has struggled and continued to decline. Ranking in the bottom half of the league in both points allowed and yardage, allowing 25 points per game. This defense has failed to create consistent pressure on quarterbacks and has recorded fewer than two sacks per game which has left their secondary vulnerable to big plays.
Although the Kansas City Chiefs are still finding their way offensively, this will need to be the week to break this trend for the Bucs if they want to have any hope of ending the Chiefs’ winning streak and getting themselves back on track this season.
Players To Watch For the Kansas City Chiefs
DeAndre Hopkins is the offensive player to watch this week, despite his limited play so far for the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first game in Kansas City, he recorded just two receptions for 29 yards, but his impact goes beyond the numbers. With multiple key starters sidelined, Hopkins’ experience and skills will be essential in stabilizing an offense that has struggled with consistency. His ability to make plays down the field will open up the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs offense and force defenders away from other players on the offense.
On the defensive end, the player to watch this week is Linebacker Leo Chenal, who has been one of the most disruptive players for the Chiefs this season. Chenal’s versatility allows him to excel in run defense, intermediate coverage, and rushing the passer, making him an asset wherever he’s deployed. With two forced fumbles this season, a team-high, he has shown a knack for capitalizing on opportunities. Chenal’s ability to adapt to various roles will be vital as the Kansas City Chiefs aim to contain Tampa Bay’s rushing attack and maintain defensive pressure throughout the game.
Players To Watch For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s offensive player to watch for this week is going to be no other than rookie Bucky Irving. Irving has shown the ability to pick up the hard yards that most running backs his size are not able to. Currently leading the Bucs in rushing yards with 395 on the season along with three touchdowns to his name. Irving will have the opportunity to not allow his team to become a one-dimensional offense and use his talents to keep the Bucs offensive attack balanced as they go up against one of the better defenses in the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Then on the defensive side of the ball, Vita Vea is the player to watch. Although this side of the ball as a whole for Tampa Bay has been lackluster this season, Vea has remained a beacon of consistency with his three sacks on the season. This is tied for the most on the team and his six tackles for loss is a team-best. Vea has shown the ability to disrupt opposing offenses and going up against a quarterback of the caliber of Patrick Mahomes, having a guy like Vea is a must if you hope to come out with a win.
Especially this season, when the Kansas City Chiefs offense has not looked as terrifying as in years past, even the slightest pressure on Mahomes can lead to big plays for the Buccaneers defense, which makes Vea’s performance in this matchup even more important.
Final Thoughts
As the Kansas City Chiefs host the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, this game presents an exciting narrative of two contrasting teams. Kansas City seeks to maintain its undefeated record while the Buccaneers strive to rediscover their winning ways. Both teams bring unique strengths and challenges to the field.
Ultimately, this matchup will hinge on which coach staff and execute their game plan and late-game operations. For the Buccaneers to have a shot, they must maximize their rushing game and control the clock. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs will look to unleash their new weapons while relying on their defense to stifle the Buccaneers’ offensive attack. Either way, when these teams get together fans should expect a memorable night of football as both teams vie for victory under the bright lights.
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