The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs will host a banged-up but resilient Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad tonight on a rainy Monday night in Kansas City. According to NFL Sharp Bets Week 9, 60% of the action is on the Buccaneers +9 to cover the spread against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Kansas City (7-0 SU, 5-2 ATS) has continued its winning ways but hasn’t been dominant, winning five games by a touchdown or less. Tampa Bay (4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS) remains a dangerous contender despite having their top three wide receivers sidelined.
Is Kansas City an underlay at -9, with just a 4.3-point per game differential over Tampa Bay? Can Baker Mayfield avoid costly interceptions after throwing seven in his last three games?
Will the Chiefs’ offense hit full gear with newly acquired playmaking wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins facing a struggling Buccaneers secondary? And who holds the edge in the matchup between Tampa Bay’s potent rushing attack and Kansas City’s stingy run defense?
$100 Bet on the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl pays out $500 at Mybookie.ag
Chiefs Breakdown
The Chiefs may not have been flashy, but they know how to move the chains on offense, score in the red zone, and stop the run on defense. Kansas City’s average points per game margin ranks 7th in the NFL, despite being widely regarded as the league’s best team. The addition of 5-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (4.25 VSR) has made an immediate impact, providing the offense with its most dynamic big-play threat since Tyreek Hill.
On defense, the Chiefs rank 3rd in scoring and 4th in yards per play, despite sitting 25th in sacks. Defensive tackle Chris Jones (5.0 VSR) is the team’s best player, commanding double teams that limit opposing offenses. Special teams feature an explosive returner in Mecole Hardman (4.33 40-yard dash), while kicker Harrison Butker continues to be a Pro Bowl-caliber talent.
The Over/Under for Chiefs vs Bucs Week 9 is at 45.5 at MyBookie.ag
Buccaneers Breakdown
Quarterback Baker Mayfield leads a potent offensive system that ranks 4th in points. The passing game has proved to be capable despite injuries to Chris Godwin (4.25 VSR) and Mike Evans (4.5 VSR). Tight end Cade Otton is emerging as a star, while a trio of running backs, led by Bucky Irving, has been effective, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Tampa Bay’s defense knows how to pressure the quarterback, with massive defensive tackle Vita Vea (4.5 VSR) serving as a disruptive force inside. However, the secondary is vulnerable to big plays, ranking a lowly 26th in passer rating. The run defense has also been porous, allowing 4.9 yards per carry. The status of star linebacker Lavonte David (ankle/chest) should be closely monitored. Kicker Chase McLaughlin is a top-10 leg.
NFL Sharp Bets Week 9 Analysis
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield is the genuine article-he has heart, leadership, and playmaking ability. With his top three wideouts missing tight end Cade Otton (4.25 VSR) has stepped up as a sure-handed red-zone weapon that has negated the depth lost at receiver. Expect Otton to have a big game and open things up for the plethora of pass catchers out of the backfield.
The Chiefs offense could sputter in this one without much of a running game to take the heat off Mahomes. Bet the Bucs to cover the favorable number for a light 1 UNIT play.
Sharp Bets: Tampa Bay +9 (1 UNIT) at Mybookie.ag
Tight end Cade Otton is a budding Pro-Bowler with a nose for the end zone.
Tampa Bay Buccanees Vegas Sharps (VSR) Power Ratings
Quarterback:4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Passing Offense:4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Running Offense:4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Run Defense:3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0
Pass Defense:3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Special Teams:3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Coaching:3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Deandre Hopkins gives the Chiefs offense a vertical threat in the passing game.
Kansas City Chiefs Vegas Sharps (VSR) Power Ratings
Quarterback:5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Passing Offense:4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5
Running Offense:2.5 out of 5.0 stars2.5
Run Defense:4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Pass Defense:3.5 out of 5.0 stars3.5
Special Teams:4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Coaching:5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0