Sunday afternoon features two of the best teams in the NFL as Patrick Mahomes, and the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) take on Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4). The Bucs will host this one at Raymond James Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 pm ET.
There is something about the Las Vegas Raiders that doesn’t mesh well with the Chiefs. After suffering their only loss of the season to them weeks ago, they were only able to sneak away with a 35-31 win last Sunday. Still, the Chiefs are consistently showing that they are a force to be reckoned with, although their defense has shown vulnerability as they have allowed 31 points in each of the last two weeks.
While the Buccaneers have a solid record, they have been wildly inconsistent as of late. They are 2-2 in their last four games. In one of their wins, they could just squeak by a bad New York Giants team 25-23. Their two losses have been against good teams, but they lost big to the Saints, 38-3, and lost on Monday to the Las Angeles Rams, 27-24. Life won’t get any more comfortable with the Chiefs coming to town.
Despite being the road team, the Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites on Sunday. They are currently -186 to win, while the Bucs are +156. The spread features Tampa Bay +3 while the over/under for total points is 56.
By The Numbers
Both of these teams are in the top-6 in scoring in the NFL. Kansas City sits atop the rankings averaging 32.1 points, while the Buccaneers are 6th, averaging 29.1 points.
Both teams are especially potent through the air. Kansas City ranks 1st, averaging 300.4 passing yards per game, while the Buccaneers rank 11th at 259.5 yards per game.
Defensively, both teams are also exceptional. The Chiefs rank 7th in the league, allowing just 21.4 points per game to opponents. Tampa Bay ranks 10th overall, allowing 23 points per game.
Mahomes Looks To Keep Rolling
Patrick Mahomes, once again, has shown why he is one of the best quarterbacks in football. This season, he has thrown for 3,035 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 2 touchdowns. While the Buccaneers are solid on defense, they will have their hands full as Mahomes comes to town.
Mahomes’ leading receivers this season have included tight end Travis Kelce (66 catches, 896 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Tyreek Hill 55 receptions, 752 yards, 10 touchdowns).
On the ground, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire leads the way as he has rushed 140 times for 655 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also has 29 receptions for 232 yards and another score.
Brady Hopes To Bounce Back After MNF Loss
The Buccaneers are currently in second place in the NFC South, and they are really hoping that they can keep pace with the New Orleans Saints by picking up a win Sunday. They would love to get a win after coming off of a Monday Night Football loss, but they will have their work cut out for them.
Leading the way for the Buccaneers is future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady. On the season, Brady has thrown for 2,955 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
Through the air, Brady has plenty of options. Mike Evans has been fantastic this season with 45 catches, 563 yards, and 9 touchdowns, but he isn’t his only weapon. Chris Godwin (41 catches, 465 yards, 3 touchdowns), Rob Gronkowski (31 catches, 399 yards, 4 touchdowns), and recently acquired Antonio Brown (18 receptions, 157 yards) have all bee huge this season.
Taking The Chiefs To Win And Cover
This is a tough one as the Chiefs have obviously been dominant this season, but Tom Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense could give their defense fits. Ultimately, I like the Chiefs to win and cover the 3 points, but watch the line because if it shifts any more towards the Chiefs, I might be inclined to take the Bucs because this one could be pretty close.
