3 bold predictions for Buccaneers in preseason clash vs. Chiefs

Coming off a victory in the preseason opener last weekend, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play their second preseason game at home against the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s the Bucs’ only home game of the preseason, and they won’t return to Raymond James Stadium until the regular-season home opener in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. 

The starters are expected to play, giving fans the first look at Tampa Bay’s starting offense and defense ahead of the 2026 season. 

Which Buccaneers will come through with big performances against the Chiefs? 

3 bold predictions for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs 

Baker Mayfield and starting offense score on opening drive 

The Bucs will play their starters against the Chiefs, but it remains to be seen how long they’ll be in the game. Baker Mayfield and the offense can make that decision easy for the coaching staff by coming out firing on all cylinders.

Mayfield will lead the offense down the field for a touchdown on the opening drive, setting the tone for the upcoming season before handing things over to the backups. 

Rueben Bain Jr. records a sack in NFL debut 

All eyes are on Rueben Bain Jr. as the Buccaneers’ first-round draft choice finally makes his pro debut. 

He’s been dominant at training camp, and is facing lofty expectations ahead of his rookie year. The coaching staff saw enough to sit him last week along with the starters, which was a strong show of confidence in the rookie.

The Chiefs are playing most of their starters, but left tackle Josh Simmons and right guard Trey Smith will both be sidelined against Tampa Bay. Bain will have a golden opportunity to live up to the hype, and he’ll record a sack in his first NFL action.  

Ted Hurst scores his first NFL touchdown 

Ted Hurst has been one of the most hyped players of the offseason for the Buccaneers. The rookie has made play after play at training camp, and has even drawn some lofty comparisons to Mike Evans.

In his debut against the Jets, Hurst had just two catches for 19 yards on six targets. He got open for what would have been a touchdown with a better throw, but the pass was thrown behind him. 

Hurst will get another opportunity against the Chiefs, and this time around, he’ll find the end zone. He was a big-play machine in college with 71% of his receptions going for first downs or touchdowns. It’s only a matter of time before he hits pay dirt in the NFL.  

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