Chiefs vs. Buccaneers Score Prediction: KC Has Three Major Advantages

The Chiefs square off with the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football hoping to stay undefeated and remain in control of the AFC. Tampa Bay lost three of its last four games, now sitting at 4-4 in desperate need of an upset win.

Unfortunately for the depleted Bucs, Kansas City has numerous advantages in this matchup that should improve the Chiefs to 8-0 by the end of the night.

Poor weather is expected in Kansas City with moderate rain, putting greater importance on ball control and rushing. While Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have struggled to protect the football, their roster is built perfectly for these types of matchups.

Chiefs vs. Buccaneers Final Score Prediction in Week 9 MNF

Baker Mayfield has been one of the best QBs in the NFL this year, though he's now without star WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. For all of the Chiefs' injuries, they still have players like Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt, and now DeAndre Hopkins to lean on.

The Bucs rank fourth leaguewide in yards per rush (5.1), but Kansas City has been dominant against the run all year, ranking second in opponent yards per rush (3.5). Bucky Irving is an impressive rookie, sure. However, if the Chiefs can slow Derrick Henry down, they can certainly stop Irving.

Meanwhile, Kansas City has made a living this season in low-scoring games, letting their excellent rushing attack keep the other team's offense off the field. That's bad news for Tampa Bay, who allows 5.2 yards per attempt (31st).

The Chiefs are 10-2-1 against the spread in their last 13 games dating back to last year. They're on a historic stretch and this Bucs team won't be who slows them down. If Tampa Bay can't run, pass, or slow Kansas City, this could turn into a double-digit lead quickly that Mahomes milks away.

Especially with the rain, expect long, sustained drives leaning heavily on Hunt. The defense may get beat on the first drive but once Steve Spagnuolo adjusts, it'll remain the smothering unit we've seen all year.

Within just a few days, talks of a potential undefeated season will officially begin.

Score Prediction: Chiefs 27-Buccaneers 16

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