Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Bold predictions in Week 12 vs. Chiefs

Bold predictions for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a huge matchup with the Chiefs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered yet another devastating and embarrassing loss in primetime with a Week 11 loss against the Rams. Now, the team has the difficult task of trying to bounce back against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

Fortunately for the Buccaneers, they do get to play this game in the friendly confines of Raymond James Stadium where they have played very well at times. Unfortunately for the team, it has lost its last two home games when playing stiffer competition in the Saints and the Rams.

Sunday’s game probably the Bucs’ last time to test themselves against another playoff and Super Bowl contender. The only other playoff contender remaining on the schedule is the Minnesota Vikings but they currently only have a 4-6 record.

This is not a must-win game for the Buccaneers since they could easily lose and still make the playoffs. The team’s light end of the season schedule should make it easy for them to either go 4-0 to end the season or at least 3-1 which should still be good enough to make the playoffs. A loss might be a devastating blow to the team’s confidence since it has struggled against quality opponents like what they may see in the playoffs.

The team will need a much better performance from both the offense and defense to try to both slow down Patrick Mahomes and put the pressure on the Chiefs defense. Although the Chiefs are not undefeated, if the Buccaneers watch some of their game film against divisional opponents such as the Chargers and Raiders, they should find ways to win the game on Sunday.

3. Patrick Mahomes will dominate the defense

The Buccaneers’ defense has spent most of the season as statistically one of the league’s best. At one point, the defense had been the steady hand and the most consistent unit for the team. Unfortunately, the defense has progressively been worse especially as the competition has improved for the team.

The Buccaneers gave up 420 total yards in the team’s Week 9 loss to the Saints and another 413 yards in Monday night’s loss to the Rams. The trend has been going in the wrong direction and this week they have a former MVP who is playing like the best quarterback in the NFL. This is not a good combination and it will lead to another long game for the defense.

2. Tom Brady will continue to struggle with turnovers

Tom Brady has thrown nine interceptions this season and seven of them have come in games the team has lost. This does not mean Brady is alone to blame for these losses, but it does mean he has been a little careless when the team has needed him to be at his best.

The Chiefs are third in the NFL in takeaways with 15 total and 10 interceptions. They are not a dominant defense, but they are an advantageous defense that is at its best when offenses are trying to keep up with their own offense. Expect them to also throw pressure on Brady which will eventually lead to him rushing the ball out of his hands and making mistakes.

1. Despite the matchup, the Buccaneers will struggle to run the ball

The Chiefs are bad against the run, and most teams try to take advantage on offense and to help the defense slow down Mahomes. The Buccaneers have been reluctant to stay committed to the run game lately and this week will be no different.

With injuries on the offensive line, even a commitment to the run game may not be enough. Expect the Buccaneers to put the game in Brady’s hands again with 40 plus pass attempts and less than 20 rushing attempts.