Get ready for Monday Night Football! Explore the latest odds and expert picks for the thrilling matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.
- Date & Time
- November 1st, 2024
- Teams
The NFL’s last unbeaten team this season is the Kansas City Chiefs. That might not be a particular surprise given the Chiefs have been to the AFC Championship Game in each of the last six seasons (winning three Super Bowls), but if you saw Patrick Mahomes’ stats, you would think the Chiefs were struggling. Mahomes has not been his magical self to this point, throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes through seven games. Still, the Chiefs have been good enough that they are nearly a double-digit favorite per the NFL betting odds on Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Week 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +9
Kansas City Chiefs -9
Total 46
There has been no real movement on the side in this game. Kansas City opened as a nine-point favorite, but it looks like the final number might close at 7.5 or 8 given the Chiefs are just +50 in point differential despite being 7-0. We have seen movement on the total though as this number opened at 44.5 before rising to where it sits at 46.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Overview
Baker Mayfield has rejuvenated his career since joining the Buccaneers last season. Mayfield had his best season in the NFL in 2023, and he is currently leading the league in both touchdown passes and interceptions. However, we might see him struggle in the coming weeks with his top two targets sidelined. Chris Godwin sustained a season-ending injury two weeks ago in a loss to Baltimore on Monday Night Football, and Mike Evans was also hurt in that game. That has made tight end Cade Otton the top target in the passing game, and the No. 1 receiver now is third-round pick Jalen McMillan.
The run game has been ineffective with Rachaad White as the primary option, and if you take out White’s 56-yard run, he is averaging just 3.0 YPC through seven games. Rookie Bucky Irving has been much more impressive, averaging 5.2 YPC, but he is currently dealing with a toe injury that is hampering him. Irving should be able to suit up on Monday, yet he might not be as effective given he isn’t at 100%.
Tampa Bay is an organization that prides itself on having a strong defense. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers have had some major issues on that side of the ball this season. The Bucs rank in the bottom five in total defense and scoring defense. They have not been effective at stopping the run, and they don’t have a great pass rusher aside from Lavonte David.
Kansas City Chiefs Overview
The Chiefs have yet to score more than 28 points in a game this season. Kansas City is not firing on all cylinders offensively as Patrick Mahomes is struggling to develop a rapport with his new receivers. Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, and Hollywood Brown are all on injured reserve, so Mahomes is having to work with rookie Xavier Worthy, veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, and the recently acquired DeAndre Hopkins. He still has tight end Travis Kelce as a security blanket, but Kelce is averaging just 8.8 YPR as the big play element has been taken out of this offense.
Instead, it has been the defense that has carried Kansas City in a big way. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo might not have worked out as a head coach, but he has been an excellent DC for both the New York Giants and the Chiefs. Kansas City ranks in the top five in scoring defense and total defense, and the front seven has been great at stopping the run.
Chris Jones continues to be the star up front. Jones has been largely overshadowed, but many casual fans are starting to realize his importance to the Kansas City dynasty. He is a five-time All-Pro selection, and he is sure to have a place in Canton alongside Mahomes and Kelce. Derrick Nnadi has played well up front too, taking some of the pressure off Jones.
Monday Night Football Prediction
Kansas City will get the win to move to 8-0, but the Chiefs will be unable to cover the number. Mayfield will create just enough to keep the Buccaneers within a score.
Final Score: Kansas City 24, Tampa Bay 19
