The Chiefs try to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Buccaneers on Monday night.
Despite being 7-0, things haven’t gone smoothly for Kansas City with mounting injuries at skill positions.
Wide receivers Rashee Rice (knee), Hollywood Brown (shoulder), and Skyy Moore (groin) are all on injured reserve, while JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss a second straight week after reaggravating his hamstring.
Kansas City is also without starting running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula).
But the Chiefs moved quickly to add reinforcements, signing free agent running back Kareem Hunt and trading for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The Buccaneers won’t have much sympathy for the Chiefs. Tampa Bay lost top two best wide receivers, Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring), to injuries in Week 7.
Back-to-back defeats dropped the Bucs to 4-4, and it’s unlikely that the team will be a buyer before the trade deadline.
As things stand, it’s difficult to see a path to victory for the Buccaneers in what figures to be a tricky spot on the road against the Chiefs.
Weather could lead to slow start for Buccaneers
While it’s fair to debate whether Kansas City is worthy of being a massive 9-point favorite, there are other factors we must consider for this matchup.
The weather could play a critical role as the forecast calls for extended periods of rain with wind.
Such conditions could be detrimental for the Bucs, who are more used to playing under clear skies and warm Florida sun.
If the Buccaneers fall behind, it’s difficult to see the offense gaining traction after consecutive double-digit losses.
Considering their injuries at wide receiver, the last thing you’d want if you’re Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is to throw a wet ball to receivers who lack significant reps with the first team.
The weather and limited options at wide receiver could make Tampa Bay’s offense look unbalanced.
Although there’s no disputing that the Buccaneers have one of the better rushing attacks in football, they’ll face a Chiefs team that ranks second in the FTN Fantasy Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) against the run.
Kansas City is also one of four teams limiting opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game.
Offensively, the Chiefs are willing to take risks in the passing game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes still has weapons at wide receiver with Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and the reliable Travis Kelce at tight end.
Teams have had their way with this Tampa Bay defense and the Bucs are being hit with big plays. The Buccaneers rank 31st in opponent yards per carry (5.2), and they’re tied for the league-worst in yards per play (6.0). Tampa allowed 15 TD passes in the first eight games of the season.
While the Buccaneers attempt to get their footing early in the game, watch for Kansas City to land a few haymakers, making the Chiefs’ first-half spread of -4.5 an intriguing option worthy of strong consideration.
Best bet: Chiefs 1H -4.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
Prop Shop: Kareem Hunt has become a central figure in the Kansas City offense since rejoining the Chiefs. With injuries at wide receiver and the Buccaneers giving up 131.6 yards and one rushing touchdown per game, Monday night should be no different.
Pick: Kareem Hunt 10-plus rushing yards in every quarter, +390
–Michael Nwaneri, Field Level Media
