The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are once again taking the field on Monday Night Football. This time they are on the road traveling to the undefeated defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. It’s not exactly the “get right” game you would want for a team that has lost three of the last four, but it’s the Bucs chance to shine on the biggest stage.
As you might expect, the Buccaneers are heavy underdogs at +9.5 as of Monday morning. However, the Bucs being written off is a great opportunity to make some cash. There are a lot of interesting bets in this game that I like. Here is my week nine Big Bucs Gambling Guide.
First and foremost, I’m taking the points here. Despite the Bucs struggles on defense and the injuries on offense, I wouldn’t be shocked if they won this game outright. They can control the clock with their strong running game and this is still a very talented roster overall on defense.
So in a game where I think the Bucs could realistically win, why wouldn’t I take the points? Even if the Chiefs control this game start to finish, they don’t exactly have the offense to run away with it. I don’t see this game getting out of hand in either direction.
Don’t look at counting stats this year and tell me what Patrick Mahomes is. Despite him throwing for more interceptions than touchdowns this year, I already know he’s the best quarterback in the game because his track record proves it. All it takes is one game for him to get back on track.
The Bucs have proven to be that one game for most quarterbacks this year. They have been one of the worst passing defenses in the league all year and love to play the bend, but don’t break, kind of defense that gives up a lot of yards. I believe Mahomes will take advantage of this and move the ball almost at will.
With no Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, the Bucs have to move the ball through the air in other ways. This means more passes to their tight ends and running backs. Fortunately, the Buccaneers have one of the best pass catching running backs in the NFL.
White had 38 receiving yards last week including an 18 yard touchdown catch. I’d expect more of the same with him being a featured part of this passing attack. Especially if All Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones starts to get some pressure up the middle.
Xavier Worthy has something that cannot be taught at any level. Game changing speed that can’t be matched. He is one of the fastest players in the NFL and can take it to the house on any given play.
Not great for a team who is running out the back up to their back up at outside corner. I don’t know if it will be one big splash play or a few plays where Worthy gets a lot of yards after catch, but I believe he will make his presence felt in this game.
Last week Jarrett returned from injury for his first game of the season. He made an immediate impact right when the Bucs were desperate for wide receiver help with 3 catches for 58 yards. He also came down with the Hail Mary pass that would have given the Buccaneers the lead if he weren’t out of bounds.
As a second year player, Jarrett has as much experience and chemistry with Baker Mayfield as any of the Bucs wide receivers right now. He might even emerge as the team’s number one target on the outside over the next few weeks. Remember, despite his injury and a lot of talent at the position, the Bucs held on to Jarrett when he was injured to start the year. I think we will continue to see why this week.
The Chiefs pressure the quarterback as much, if not more, than any team in the NFL. They have great pass rushers up front and a defensive coordinator who loves to bring pressure and chaos. Even with the Bucs offensive line playing really well this year, I expect Kansas City to get into the backfield.
However, Mayfield is excellent at eluding pressure and making things happen. One of those things is touching the ball and scampering for nice little chunks of yards here and there. He can gash the Chiefs if their blitz doesn’t get home, so I like the over here.
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