The Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) are back on the road seeking redemption after a disappointing Week 3 loss.
Just as we have over the past six seasons, the Chiefs Wire staff will offer its weekly predictions for each Chiefs game. Below you’ll find all of our picks for Kansas City’s Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 2. at 7:20 CT at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Charles Goldman's prediction:
This is probably not the best week for the Chiefs to be looking for a bounceback performance on the offensive side of the ball. The Buccaneers have the personnel and scheme to really frustrate Kansas City offensively — see Super Bowl LV if you don’t believe me. Yes, that was nearly two years ago, but they’ve kept a lot of the same pieces and added more to the defensive side of the ball.
This year, they’re not surrendering a lot of yards in the ground game, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry and no rushing touchdowns on the year. They’re also really good at getting after the quarterback, be it sacks (11, t-3rd in the NFL) or pressures (36, 6th in the NFL). They take the ball away better than any other team in the NFL. Basically, they’re pretty good at taking away whatever it is a team is good at offensively or at least making it that much harder on them.
This feels like a game that the Chiefs will need to win in the trenches and I’m not sure they can do it on both sides of the ball. I’m confident they’ll get some pressure on Tom Brady, which will keep the Bucs’ offense out-of-sync and keep the score tight. I’m just not so confident that the Chiefs will be able to solve all of their offensive woes this week. It’s going to take a herculean effort from Patrick Mahomes, a perfect game plan and clean execution to make it happen.
Also, if they need to rely on a backup kicker to tie the game or win it, I think they’re going to come away disappointed.
Bucs 24, Chiefs 21.
Wesley Roesch's prediction:
With so many top-tier opponents left on the Chiefs’ brutal 2022 schedule, I would not feel great about a 2-2 start for Kansas City. I assume the Chiefs feel the same way. Combine that with this being a Super Bowl LV revenge game, and you have a situation where the Chiefs should be (and need to be) on their A-game.
The Bucs boast one of the league’s best defenses, allowing just nine points per game (best in the NFL). They haven’t played a great offense yet this season though, and Patrick Mahomes should be angry enough about the Colts’ loss to be focused on this matchup. We can’t forget that the Chiefs’ defense is good, too, with 10 sacks this season (tied for fifth best in the NFL).
I see this being a defensive game with lots of punting, but I’m taking the better and less-banged-up offense to come out on top Sunday night.
Chiefs 23, Bucs 17.
Ed Easton Jr.'s prediction:
The Kansas City Chiefs are seeking a bounce-back victory following their shocking loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week. Standing in their way are Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also looking to rebound after their first loss of the season.
Patrick Mahomes has maintained high respect for Brady in their matchups, but he will be extra motivated to pick up a victory in the team’s first meeting since Super Bowl LV. There are still many players from that game that want a level of revenge and finally end the frustration. Mahomes will again be sharp but get much more help from the ground game with the three-headed monster of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerrick Mckinnon, and Isiah Pacheco. Expect Kelce and Jody Fortson to be featured in more two tight-end formations.
On defense, the pressure will be on Chris Jones following his meltdown at the end of their Week 3 loss. He will get help from rookie George Karlaftis as he introduces himself to Brady at several vital moments in the game. L’jarius Sneed has played exceptionally well over the last few games and will continue his effectiveness in coverage to stifle Brady late in the game.
Chiefs 27, Bucs 20.
Nick Roesch's prediction:
The Chiefs’ offense gets another tough test this week. The Buccaneer defense is among the best units in the league and it’s catching Kansas City at a time when it is trying to figure things out offensively.
It will be a tall task for the struggling Chiefs’ offensive line to keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright and create open lanes for the running game. Mahomes is going to need to get the ball out of his hands quickly and take what the defense gives him.
If nothing’s there, it may be best to be on the conservative side and live to fight another possession instead of forcing something that could result in a turnover. If the short passing game finds a groove, the Tampa Bay defensive backs could start to cheat up, opening up some deep ball opportunities.
Defensively, K.C. just needs to keep the momentum going that it’s had all season. The Chiefs are doing a great job against the run and getting to the quarterback. The Bucs’ offense has also struggled to get things going thus far and has injuries galore along the offensive line and receiving corps.
I like what defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is doing with his young, energetic defense and I believe it will keep them in this game. This is a tough one, but I’m going to go with the team that has the better quarterback.
Chiefs 20, Bucs 17.
