Which staff member will nail their pick this week?

As the Bucs are set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, we here at Bucs Nation will dive into some picks and predictions for Tampa Bay’s big Week 9 primetime matchup.

Check it all out below.

Predictions

Gil Arcia: The Chiefs trap game?

Of the seven teams the Chiefs have faced, three of them are ranked in the top half of the league in pass defense, where the Chargers (3rd), Raiders (12th) and 49ers (16th) are those teams. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has had an odd year where he has thrown for an “OK” amount of yards in 1,651 yards and only 8 touchdowns but 9, NINE, interceptions. We all know how the Bucs have done against the opposition as of late, allowing quarterbacks to pick apart their secondary with ease. Mahomes is not one to let do that and may build chemistry with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this week. However, Kansas City’s misfortunes will play into the Bucs hands this week as the Bucs defense will force two Mahomes interceptions and hold the future Hall of Famer to under 250 yards while sacking him at least three times. In the other side, Bucs’ quarterback Baker Mayfield will finally show out under the lights with at least two touchdowns, no interceptions, and over 250 yards passing.

Mike Kiwak: Tuckered Out?

After popping off for one of the best running back games all year with nearly 200 total yards against the Saints, Sean Tucker fell totally off the radar last week against Atlanta with just 3 touches for 15 yards. Since Bucky Irving is nursing a long-term toe injury and Rachaad White continues to be more reliable as a passing game specialist, it feels like Liam Coen remembers Tucker’s pure dynamic rushing ability against a stingy Chiefs run defense. I’ll predict at least 75 total yards and a score for the Syracuse product.

Will Walsh: Andy Reid versus Bucs’ CB 2

During the offseason, the Bucs gambled when they traded away Carlton Davis. They were right, but it also cost them. Zyon McCollum has been the player Todd Bowles believed he could be, however, with no Jamel Dean and no Bryce Hall Tampa has had to rely on players they never dreamed of needing. The last few weeks the Tampa Bay Bucs have played defense like a dog chasing cars. This week, perhaps the greatest offensive mind in NFL history will be scheming against a starting cornerback who struggled in August. Monday will likely be a long night for Todd Bowles.

Evan Wanish: The Tight End Torture Continues

I simply do not have much confidence in Tampa Bay’s defense turning this thing around, especially not against the defending back to back champs. Kansas City will be able to control the pace of the game and use the tight end to do it. Mark Andrews had two receiving touchdowns two weeks ago against Tampa, Kyle Pitts did the same last week and I think Travis Kelce finds the end zone at least once in this one.

Week 8 Staff Picks

Gil Arcia (5-3): Bucs 29, Chiefs 24
Mike Kiwak (5-3): Chiefs 27, Bucs 17
Evan Wanish (4-4): Chiefs 31, Bucs 17
Will Walsh (4-4): Chiefs 34, Bucs 20