Online betting players will be watching two teams of the future in a matchup between Kansas City and Tampa Bay, a pair of teams who are young, but they’re still getting used to the league. The defenses are going to be the focus of this game, and Tampa Bay, led by a pair of rookies, will come out on top in this game.
What: NFL betting
When: Saturday, August 21st, 7:30 PM ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Pick: Tampa Bay
What’s On The Line
The Chiefs fell 20-10 in their preseason opener at Atlanta, but you can see that the young pieces are there on both sides of the ball in Kansas City. The Bucs were edged 10-7 in Miami, and like the Chiefs, Tampa Bay is still a young squad who is just trying to see what they have. This could be one of the sloppiest games of the preseason.
Offensive Matchups: Chiefs Buccaneers Betting
Kansas City actually had more yards than the Falcons, but three turnovers killed their chances. Tyler Palko and Brodie Croyle did a better job of moving the ball than starter Matt Cassel, but they threw interceptions. Jamaal Charles averaged 9.3 yards on the ground, while rookie Dexter McCluster was lined up all over the field, which was why Kansas City drafted him in the first place. There’s still a lack of talent and depth at receiver, and the offensive line is shaky, but Kansas City is moving in the right direction.
Josh Freeman was 4-of-4 for 53 yards and a touchdown in his only action against Miami, while Josh Johnson and Rudy Carpenter were decent enough, and the Bucs ran for 139 yards behind a number of backs. However, Derrick Ward continues to be a disappointment since coming from the Giants last year, and he ran for 20 yards on 12 carries. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him slip down the depth chart.
Betting Pick: Kansas City
Defensive Matchups: Chiefs Buccaneers Betting
Safeties Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis didn’t look out of place against the Falcons, and Lewis was rewarded for a good camp with more work in the opener, meaning we could see the Chiefs with rookie safeties at some point this season. The Chiefs held the Falcons to an average of 2.7 yards per carry, and linebacker Jovan Belcher led the way with seven tackles as he tries to elbow his way into a starting spot.
The Bucs held the Dolphins to 206 yards, including 50 on the ground, and a pair of kids led the way. Cornerback E.J. Biggers had four tackles and showed the Bucs that he could be a good option to blitz in nickel situations, while No.2 overall pick Gerald McCoy showed a good motor and constantly attracted double-teams, which is what he did at Oklahoma. The Bucs were 27th in defense last year? This year, they’ll break the top 20 and possibly the top half of the rankings.
Sport pick: Tampa Bay
Notable Injuries: Chiefs Buccaneers Betting
Guard Brian Waters (foot) is back practicing with the team, but likely won’t play in this game, along with fellow guard Darryl Harris (knee). Rookie tight end Tony Moeaki (ankle) is probably out, as well for the Chiefs.
Receiver Maurice Stovall (ankle) and cornerback Darrell Pasco (shoulder) were hurt in the Miami game, while fellow corners Aqib Talib (groin) and Myron Lewis (hamstring), along with defensive tackle Brian Price (hamstring) missed that game and could make their debuts.
Sports pick: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Chiefs Buccaneers Betting
NFL betting odds have the Bucs as a 2.5-point favorite at home, and like we said earlier, there’s a lot of talent in this game, but most of it is still young and they’re going to make some mistakes….a lot of them. They’re very similar teams: young skill players on offense, looking to build up the defense first. When it comes to situations like this, we like the defenses to perform better than the offenses, and we think Tampa Bay’s is better. Combined with the homefield advantage, take the Bucs in your sports betting book.
Stan’s Pick: Tampa Bay -2.5