The NFL’s last remaining undefeated team, the Kansas City Chiefs, takes center stage on Monday Night Football in Week 9 as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have been nearly flawless, the Bucs limp into this prime-time clash battling key injuries. Will the Chiefs continue their march towards a perfect season or can Baker Mayfield engineer an upset under the bright lights?
Chiefs Firing on All Cylinders
At 7-0, the Kansas City Chiefs stand alone as the NFL’s only unbeaten squad. Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes has been sensational, leading a diverse offense that can beat teams through the air or on the ground. The connection between Mahomes and All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce remains nearly unstoppable, while the emergence of rookie running back Kareem Hunt has added balance to Andy Reid’s attack.
“Pat is playing at an MVP level again. He makes the extraordinary look routine,” a Chiefs coach told reporters. “With the weapons we have, we feel confident against any defense.”
The Chiefs’ defense has also been stout, holding opponents under 20 points per game. Defensive tackle Chris Jones is a wrecking ball up front, while the secondary, led by safety Justin Reid, has generated timely turnovers. They’ll aim to rattle Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, who makes his third start since joining Tampa Bay.
Injury-Plagued Bucs Seeking Upset
It’s been a trying season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who sit at 4-4 and are still searching for an offensive identity. Injuries have ravaged the skill positions, with WRs Chris Godwin and Mike Evans ruled out for MNF. That puts immense pressure on Baker Mayfield to elevate a depleted supporting cast.
- The Bucs will lean on RBs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving to carry the load offensively
- TE Cade Otton and WR Jalen McMillan must step up in the passing game
- Tampa’s defense must find a way to disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm and force turnovers
“No one’s going to feel sorry for us. It’s next man up,” Mayfield said of the injuries. “We have to find a way to move the ball and score points against a really good defense. I believe in the guys in this locker room.”
The Bucs defense, led by LBs Lavonte David and Devin White, will have its hands full trying to contain the Chiefs’ multifaceted attack. Creating pressure on Mahomes and winning the turnover battle may be Tampa’s best path to victory.
Betting Breakdown
The Chiefs opened as hefty 8.5-point favorites, a number that has since ticked up to KC -9. The over/under is set at a modest 45.5 points, a reflection of the Bucs’ decimated offense. Some notable player props include:
- Patrick Mahomes passing yards: 249.5 (Over -110 / Under -120)
- Travis Kelce receiving yards: 59.5 (Over -130 / Under Even)
- Kareem Hunt rushing yards: 59.5 (Over -140 / Under +110)
- Baker Mayfield passing yards: 224.5 (Over -155 / Under +120)
With the spread approaching double digits, the Bucs will surely embrace the underdog role. However, slowing down the Chiefs’ attack with so many missing pieces is a tall order. Unless Tampa can consistently pressure Mahomes and force multiple turnovers, it’s hard to envision an upset at Arrowhead.
“I never feel comfortable as a big favorite, especially against a desperate team,” said a Vegas oddsmaker. “But it’s impossible to ignore how well the Chiefs are playing. You have to make the Bucs prove they can keep up before backing them.”
The lights will be bright on Monday Night Football as the Chiefs and Bucs collide in a Super Bowl LV rematch. With Patrick Mahomes playing at an MVP level and the Bucs battling the injury bug, all signs point to Kansas City moving to 8-0. But if Baker Mayfield and a proud Tampa defense can rise to the occasion, an upset isn’t out of the question in this unpredictable NFL season.
