Bleacher Report’s Expert Week 9 NFL Picks | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Without wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pushed the Atlanta Falcons in a high-scoring matchup, but they lost 31-26 last week. Baker Mayfield threw for 330 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Even with a depleted pass-catching group, the Buccaneers could threaten to ruin the Kansas City Chiefs’ unblemished record. Although the Chiefs plan to get wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins more involved in the offense in his second week with the team, our experts think the Buccaneers have enough to stay within eight points of the reigning champions.

Hanford is concerned about Mayfield’s decision-making in a hostile environment without his top receivers, but he expects Tampa Bay to cover late in the game.

“The Chiefs are 7-0 and are playing at home, but the Bucs have a few things working in their favor here,” he said. “Kansas City has won only two games by more than one score this year. Mayfield excels against the blitz. And the Bucs are one of the best fourth-quarter teams in the NFL.

“There’s a part of me that pictures Mayfield making a few horrible decisions as he tries to do too much in a big road game with his top two receivers injured. He will probably make at least one, but this feels like a late backdoor cover, just like we saw from the Las Vegas Raiders this past week.

“The Chiefs remain undefeated, but they only win by a touchdown.”

ATS Consensus: Buccaneers +8.5

Score Prediction: Chiefs 24, Buccaneers 19

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