The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot on their plate this summer, namely ironing out the wrinkles of a new offense.
The Bucs' attack, under new coordinator Zac Robinson, will give the tires a good kick when they host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 of the NFL preseason Saturday.
With Tampa Bay extending action for the first-teamers in this second exhibition game – and Kansas City using its starters sparingly – the Buccaneers went from +1.5 to 5.5-point favorites. That's a touchdown swing to the spread.
I sort through both teams' prep plans in my Chiefs vs. Buccaneers predictions and best NFL picks for Aug. 22.
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Chiefs vs Buccaneers predictions
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Who will win Chiefs vs Buccaneers: Chiefs +5.5
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to give their starters between eight and 15 snaps on Saturday. That news from head coach Todd Bowles, along with the Kansas City Chiefs protecting their top talents, produced the significant swing in the spread.
It’s a drastic adjustment considering Kansas City boasts a capable QB2 in Justin Fields. He can make throws but also pick up yards with his legs when plays go sideways, which happens often in the preseason.
Fields is expected to play into the second quarter before ceding snaps to rookie QB Garrett Nussmeier, who impressed Chiefs head coach Andy Reid with his poise during the signal-caller's first taste of pro action in Week 1.
As for Tampa Bay’s offense, Robinson’s primary focus is adding fuel to the rushing attack after a lack of explosiveness in 2025. Running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell are expected to suit up, which will keep the offense ground-centric and conservative with the starters on the field.
Chiefs vs Buccaneers Over/Under pick: Under 35.5
The Chiefs also showed off a solid run game in the opening preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, with rookie RB Emmett Johnson as the headliner.
We’ll get a lot of handoffs from both offenses in the opening half, which keeps gains shorter and the clock moving. That's a recipe for Unders.
The second half is under the control of quarterbacks deep down the depth chart, and the swampy Florida summer will really slow both sides.
The forecast calls for “feels like" temperatures in the low 90s with, humidity around 80% on Saturday evening. That’ll test conditioning as teams work their way into game shape this preseason.
Chiefs vs Buccaneers live odds
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Chiefs vs Buccaneers weather
Saturday night brings temperatures in the low 80s, but thanks to 80% humidity it will feel like the low 90s at Raymond James Stadium.
How to watch Chiefs vs Buccaneers
| Location | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | KSHB, WFLA |
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