The Kansas City Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes stealing the spotlight in the game’s final moments, preserved their unbeaten 2024 season by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime at the close of Week 9. 

The reigning NFL champions now boast a perfect 8-0 record, solidifying their place atop the AFC and establishing themselves as the team to beat across the league. Meanwhile, despite the loss, Tampa Bay holds on to second place in the NFC South with a 4-5 record.

Mahomes was the key player, throwing for 291 yards and three touchdown passes, although he faced relentless pressure from the Buccaneers' defense, which sacked him four times. Kansas City took the initial lead with a field goal by Harrison Butker, going up 3-0 in the first quarter.

The Buccaneers responded in the second quarter, turning the score around with an 11-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a rushing touchdown by Rachaad White. Despite missing their top offensive targets, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Bucs went up 7-3.

However, the Chiefs answered back with their signature aerial game. Mahomes connected with DeAndre Hopkins on a touchdown pass in a 70-yard drive to retake the lead 10-7 before halftime.

In the third quarter, Tampa Bay regained control with a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Cade Otton, putting them up 14-10, and Chase McLaughlin later extended their lead to 17-10 with a field goal.

The Chiefs tied the game 17-17 early in the fourth quarter with another Mahomes pass, this time to Samaje Perine. But Kansas City got a scare when Mahomes misstepped, injuring his left knee and briefly raising doubts about his return. Though fans were anxious, Mahomes returned to the field, leading an epic 15-play, 78-yard drive that ended in another touchdown pass to Hopkins, putting the Chiefs ahead 24-17.

However, the Buccaneers wouldn’t give up, marching 71 yards downfield to tie the game 24-24 on a touchdown pass to Ryan Miller, sending the game to overtime. 

On the first drive in overtime, Kareem Hunt, who totaled 106 yards in the game, scored the winning touchdown on a rushing play, sealing the Chiefs' victory and keeping their unbeaten streak alive in a game filled with drama, injuries, and ultimately a celebration for Kansas City.