Buccaneers vs Chiefs: Super Bowl LIV Free Picks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the distinction of being the first team in NFL history to host the big game.  They’re also the designated home team, but they’re still underdogs.  888sport lists the Kansas City Chiefs as -167 favorites on the moneyline.  Can the reigning champions defend their title against future Hall of Famer Tom Brady and the rest of the Buccaneers?

We all know the deal with Tom Brady.  Somehow at 43 years old, he’s found his way to the big game for a record 10^th time, and he’s looking to add a seventh ring to his collection, but his team is the underdog at +138 (888sport).

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to become the first team since 2005 to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy for a second consecutive year.  888sport’s Super Bowl odds favor the Chiefs by -3 at -118, but NFL predictions and expert picks say go with the Buccaneers on the upset.

The Buccaneers are on fire and were able to beat the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees as an NFC Wil Card to make it to this year’s Super Bowl.  Their defense was outstanding against the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans, which is ultimately what this game will come down to.  The Buccaneers have tons of offensive firepower, but if their defense doesn’t make big plays, they’ll struggle to keep up with the Chiefs and their high-octane offense.

Patrick Mahomes doesn’t make many mistakes, and the Chiefs rank fifth in turnovers, totaling just 16 on the season so far.  Unfortunately, the Chiefs will be without LT Eric Fisher, which doesn’t bode well for Mahomes.  The Buccaneers’ pass rush was sensational in the NFC Championship game as they sacked Aaron Rodgers five times.

I’ve bet against the Buccaneers in every game they’ve played in these playoffs, but I’m not going to do it here.  The Kansas City Chiefs are the best team in the NFL but, 888sport offers +138 for the Buccaneers on the moneyline, and I’m going to take it for a couple of reasons.

They’re lucky they’re playing the Super Bowl at home, and their defense has been incredible lately.  Barring any hiccups, I think Tom Brady does enough to propel them to victory.

• Tampa Bay is 4-1 in their last 5 games
• Tampa Bay is 7-0 in their last 7 games
• Kansas City is 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games
• Kansas City is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against Tampa Bay