As the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, the stakes are high. Kansas City, currently at 7-0, holds the longest winning streak in the NFL, dating back to last season’s Super Bowl run, and will look to extend it to 14 consecutive wins—a potential new franchise record. For the Buccaneers, it’s an opportunity to disrupt the Chiefs’ march through history and inch above the .500 mark in the NFC standings.
Every week seems to bring a new milestone for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes recently became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 30,000 passing yards, hitting the mark in last week’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Another franchise record hangs in the balance this week: Travis Kelce, with 69 career touchdown receptions, needs just one more to surpass Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the most in Chiefs history. Kelce’s consistent play, even with Mahomes missing key offensive weapons due to injury, has been instrumental in keeping Kansas City’s offense afloat.
The Chiefs‘ current winning streak is their longest since 2019-20 when they also won 13 straight. Despite this success, the offense has had its struggles, especially with the loss of their top two wide receivers and starting running back for the season. However, veteran Kareem Hunt’s recent return has added depth to the running game, and Kansas City’s trade for three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has already shown early dividends. Hopkins’ presence has added versatility and experience, even with limited practice time.
Defensively, the Chiefs also bolstered their pass rush by acquiring Josh Uche from the New England Patriots. Uche, a second-round pick in 2020, has been productive with 20.5 sacks in his NFL career, including two this season. His best season came in 2022, with 11.5 sacks, and his addition should boost Kansas City’s defensive front.
For Tampa Bay, this season has been full of highs and lows. After a promising 3-1 start that included a statement win over the Detroit Lions, the Buccaneers have faltered, dropping three of their last four games. Last week’s 31-26 loss to the Atlanta Falcons underscored the team’s struggles in tight contests.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield has performed well, leading the offense with resilience, but will face a steep challenge on Monday night without his top targets, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both out with injuries. Without these key playmakers, Tampa Bay will need other receivers to step up and contribute to stay competitive against a Chiefs defense that has been tough against the pass.
This matchup brings back memories of Super Bowl LV, where Tampa Bay and Kansas City last met with championship stakes. In that game, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers stunned the Chiefs, winning 31-9 in a dominant display. Although Brady has since retired, the memory of that Super Bowl will linger as Kansas City takes the field on Monday night.
Historically, these teams have only faced each other 15 times since the Buccaneers entered the league in 1976, with Kansas City holding a slight edge in recent meetings. However, Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl triumph will undoubtedly add an emotional edge to Monday night’s clash.
With Evans and Godwin sidelined, the Buccaneers’ receiving corps will need a big game from secondary options, including wide receiver Trey Palmer and tight end Cade Otton. They’ll face a formidable Chiefs defense, now strengthened by Uche’s presence. The pressure on Mayfield will be immense, especially considering Kansas City’s success in creating turnovers and getting to the quarterback.
The Chiefs’ balanced attack and relentless defense give them the upper hand, especially with the Buccaneers missing their star receivers. Kansas City’s offense has adapted and found ways to win, despite the absence of key players, and Mahomes continues to prove he can deliver in clutch situations. Look for the Chiefs to extend their winning streak to 14 games, staying undefeated and making franchise history in front of their home crowd.
