The Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) in a preseason matchup where Patrick Mahomes’ availability is uncertain and Baker Mayfield looks to build momentum.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet Saturday, August 22, in a preseason contest that carries more intrigue than the typical exhibition. The Chiefs (0-1) are coming off a 20–12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, while the Buccaneers (1-0) opened with a 24–16 win over the New York Jets. The big storyline: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is listed as Questionable, and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to play and has vowed to ‘shock a lot of people this year.’ With both teams dealing with injuries and roster battles, this game offers a preview of depth and schemes under the lights at Raymond James Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs: Seeking First Preseason Win Amid QB Uncertainty
The Chiefs dropped their preseason opener at home, falling 20–12 to the Rams. Backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards, while running back Emmett Johnson led the ground game with 59 yards on 12 carries. Wide receiver Jaydn Ott added 40 receiving yards on two catches, and safety Jaden Hicks paced the defense with seven total tackles. Kicker Harrison Butker accounted for all 12 points with field goals of 37, 35, 59, and 26 yards. The Rams’ first-round pick Ty Simpson outplayed the Chiefs’ passers, going 21/25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
Injury concerns loom large for Kansas City. Mahomes is Questionable, along with Ashton Gillotte, Jeff Caldwell, Drue Tranquill, and Trey Smith. The offensive line is also in flux, with rookie Benson earning a starting look at right tackle after impressing in camp. Head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will be watching closely, especially if Mahomes sits, to evaluate the backup quarterback battle and the reshuffled line.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Riding High After Opening Win
The Buccaneers enter Saturday’s game with a 1-0 preseason record after a 24–16 road victory over the Jets. Quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards and added a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Running back Josh Williams carried eight times for 27 yards and a score, while wide receiver Garrett Greene led the team with four catches for 54 yards. Linebacker Damarion Williams tallied a team-high 12 tackles, and defensive end Jack Pyburn recorded two sacks. The defense also forced a turnover, as Ayden Garnes returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown.
The Bucs got a boost with defensive tackle Vita Vea ending his hold-in, signing a one-year extension guaranteeing $30 million. Vea said he wants ‘to be a Buc for life,’ but his availability for Saturday is uncertain after missing camp. Baker Mayfield is expected to start and will look to build chemistry with his receivers. The injury report is crowded: DT Sheffield, Kingsley Jonathan, and Kadarius Calloway are on Injured Reserve, while Qwan’tez Stiggers, Nahshon Wright, VJ Payne, Cade Otton, Tez Johnson, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka are Questionable.
Head-to-Head: Quarterback Depth and Defensive Pressure
This preseason matchup features contrasting quarterback situations. The Chiefs have Mahomes, but his status is up in the air; if he sits, Nussmeier and others will get extended reps. The Buccaneers have Mayfield, who is healthy and motivated, backed by Daniels. Both teams have strong kickers—Harrison Butker for Kansas City and Chase McLaughlin for Tampa Bay—so field position and red-zone efficiency could be decisive. Defensively, the Chiefs need to improve after allowing the Rams to score 20 points, while the Bucs’ pass rush, led by Jack Pyburn, could pressure Kansas City’s offensive line, which is missing starters.
- Patrick Mahomes is Questionable; Baker Mayfield is expected to play.
- Chiefs rookie right tackle Benson will start after strong camp.
- Bucs DT Vita Vea signed a one-year, $30 million extension; game status unclear.
- Both teams have multiple Questionable players on offense and defense.
Prediction: Buccaneers Edge Chiefs in Preseason Tune-Up
With Mahomes likely sidelined or limited, the Chiefs’ offense could struggle against a Buccaneers defense that is aggressive and comes off a strong performance. Tampa Bay’s home crowd and momentum from a win should carry them. Expect a competitive game, but the Buccaneers have more continuity and a healthier quarterback situation. Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Chiefs 17 — Tampa Bay improves to 2-0 in the preseason, while Kansas City falls to 0-2.
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