Buccaneers at Chiefs: Five Game-Changing Players

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on from the sidelines against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on from the sidelines against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on from the sidelines against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on from the sidelines against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

At long last, the Buccaneers (4-5) won a game at Raymond James Stadium last Sunday. Next, they’ll hit the road this week to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (7-2). Here, we break down five players that can impact the final score on Sunday.

The Buccaneers desperately needed a win this past Sunday, and they got it. With a 36-10 victory over the Bears, they moved within one game of a .500 record. Tampa Bay now heads into a tough two-game stretch against Kansas City and Seattle, first visiting the Chiefs this Sunday at 1:00.

The Chiefs have been one of the most consistent teams in the last two years, going 18-7 in the regular season since the start of the 2015 season. Even with Jamaal Charles missing significant time, they have put together a solid start to this season. At 7-2, they sit tied with the Oakland Raiders for first place in the AFC West.

This week, it might be all about defense. Kansas City is averaging just 22.8 points per game, but has allowed just 18.7 points per game. That average would be even lower if it weren’t for a 43-point performance by Pittsburgh in week four. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, has been inconsistent on defense all year. The unit did have its best game of the season on Sunday against Chicago, so there’s a chance this week to prove that it truly has improved.

The Chiefs will be heavy favorites on Sunday. But, the Bucs will be out to prove that they’re still fighting for playoff contention. Who can change the game this Sunday?

Schedule