Chiefs at Buccaneers -- Week 6
Where: Raymond Jones Stadium, Tampa, Fla. (natural grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Buccaneers by 4.5
Forecast: Warm, mid-80s
Records: Chiefs (Overall: 1-4, AFC West: 0-1); Buccaneers (Overall: 1-3, NFC South: 1-0)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 2, 2008: Buccaneers 30, Chiefs 27; Nov. 7, 2004: Buccaneers 34, Chiefs 31. Series record: Tied 5-5.
What matters: Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel has decided the best way for his team to win is to run the ball as much as possible and give his quarterback as little responsibility as possible. That was the case with QB Matt Cassel, but there's really no reason to believe he will change his approach with Brady Quinn. Last week, the Chiefs ran 50 times and Cassel and Quinn combined to throw 18 passes. That's a strategy that is only viable if the Chiefs do not dig themselves a big early hole, which has been an issue. Another issue with that game plan could be the fact that Tampa Bay's defense ranks fourth against the run and dead last against the pass. It's doubtful that will matter to Crennel. And on the other side, Tampa Bay has attempted the fewest passes (119) in the league. Both coaches will be turning back the clock to another era on Sunday.
Who matters: Jamaal Charles. The strategy that Crennel has decided to employ essentially comes down to whether Charles can pick up yards even though the defense knows the ball is most likely going to end up in his hands. Last week, Charles was successful for a half. He ran for 125 yards on 20 carries in the first half, and only 15 yards on 10 carries in the second. Was it that the Ravens were better prepared for what was coming after halftime? Or did Charles tire? It was probably a combination. For Kansas City's strategy to succeed, the defense has to play well and the Chiefs need to limit their mistakes and turnovers -- or at least make sure those turnovers don't lead to a short field. Cassel turned it over 13 times in five games. If Quinn can at the very least cut down the turnovers, he'll be an upgrade.
Key matchups: Tampa Bay WR Vincent Jackson vs. Kansas City CB Brandon Flowers. Jackson is averaging 19 yards a reception and gives Tampa Bay a deep threat. The Bucs run so much that their play-action is effective. Flowers has an interception in two straight games and has been playing well. Kansas City WR Dwayne Bowe vs. Tampa Bay CB Aqib Talib. When the Chiefs do throw, Bowe is usually the target. He is tied for second in the NFL with 57 targets. The receiver who has the better game -- Jackson or Bowe -- could be one of the deciding factors.
Injuries of note: Cassel (concussion), DE Glenn Dorsey (calf) and RB Peyton Hillis (ankle) will not play. S Kendrick Lewis, who injured his shoulder in the preseason and has yet to play in the regular season, told the Kansas City Star on Thursday that he would start on Sunday. Crennel confirmed Friday that Lewis would play. WR Jon Baldwin (hamstring) did not practice Thursday and is doubtful. DE Ropati Pitoitua, who missed last week's game with an elbow injury, was a full participant on Thursday and will likely start in Dorsey's place.
Inside stuff: C Ryan Lilja took the blame last week for Kansas City's botched snap at the goal line that was recovered by Baltimore. Had the Chiefs scored a touchdown, they would have had their first in-game lead of the season. Lilja is playing center for the first time with starting C Rodney Hudson out for the season. The bad exchange at the goal line has been the only bad snap, but with a new quarterback starting this week, the center-quarterback exchanges are something to keep an eye on.
Connections: Tampa Bay K Connor Barth was the kicker in Kansas City for 10 games during his rookie season in 2008. Tampa Bay senior offensive assistant Jimmy Raye was on Kansas City's staff from 1992 to 2000, serving as the offensive coordinator from 1998 through 2000.
Stat you should know: The Chiefs are minus-15 in turnover margin. Philadelphia and Dallas are next-to-last at minus-7.
Looking ahead: The Chiefs have their bye week and then play Oakland at home. Depending on Quinn's performance and Cassel's health, they could be going back to Cassel when they return from the bye, which would not sit well with the Kansas City fans.
Prediction: Chiefs 16, Buccaneers 13
Follow Chiefs reporter C.J. Moore on Twitter @CBSChiefs and @cjmoore4.