Buccaneers: How Tampa Bay pulls off the upset vs. Chiefs

How Tampa Bay Buccaneers pull off the upset vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to take on the reigning Super Bowl champions from a year ago this Sunday in Raymond James Stadium.

The Buccaneers- who are coming off a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams this past Monday- will play host to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs enter this game with a 9-1 record and are currently on a five-game winning streak. Tampa Bay opened as a 3-point underdog to Kansas City and that number has since grown just slightly, now favoring the Chiefs by four points on the road.

The loss this past week may have been disappointing for the  Buccaneers, but you’ve got to believe they’ll be looking to rebound in a big way.

Here’s a look at the ‘upset checklist’ for the Buccaneers against the Chiefs

• Tom Brady has to throw for more than 300 yards and no more than one INT.
• Buccaneers have to win the turnover margin
• Tampa finds a way to get off the field on third down by creating negative yardage plays on first and second down.
• The offense has to be in sync from the get-go
• Offensive line has to defend well against the pass-rush and not allow Brady to be hurried.

If you want a five-point plot for how the Bucs beat the Chiefs on Sunday, this is it.

Tom Brady has to throw for more than 300 yards and basically not turn the ball over. If he throws multiple interceptions, the game is lost without question. Even if he throws one, that would be a major blow to the Bucs’ chances.

The defense has to create negative yardage plays by stopping the run and getting in the backfield while also finding a way to force a turnover or two on this explosive offense.

Finally, the Buccaneers’ offensive line has to protect Brady and allow him time to throw the ball.

The Bucs and Chiefs will square off at 4:25 p.m. E.T. Make sure you follow us at The Pewter Plank for more updates, analysis and coverage as we head into the big weekend matchup.