Thursday Night Football has once again given us a matchup between two of the absolute best teams in the NFL. Whilst the Bills/Rams clash in week 1 didn’t quite live up to expectations, I’m expecting this one to live up to the billing. Two AFC West foes go head-to-head for the first time this year, as the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (1-0). I can’t wait for this one, so let’s dive in and try and find some value.
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs Preview & Betting Tips
Arrowhead Stadium, Friday 10:15am AEST
Last Week
Both sides are coming of victories in week 1 of the NFL season, with the Chiefs destroying the Cardinals in Arizona 44-21, and the Chargers squeezing by the Raiders 24-19 at home. The Chiefs were never headed, leading 14-0 early, before having the game wrapped up after 3 quarters, leading 37-7. Patrick Mahomes was sensational, going 30/39 for 360 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air, leaving the Chiefs fans chanting ‘Tyreek who?’. They shared the love on offense, with 5 players running the ball and 9 players gaining yards receiving. Whilst the Cardinals defence was ordinary, this surely puts the rest of the NFL on notice.
The Chargers looked incredibly good through two and a half quarters, leading 24-10 on the back of 3 Justin Herbert touchdowns, however wavered down the stretch, allowing the Raiders to come within 5 points by the end of the game. The Raiders had 3 turnovers to the Chargers 0, and it really seemed as though the Chargers should have gone on with it. A win is a win however, and with the game being a divisional matchup the Chargers are surely pleased.
Injury Report
LA Chargers
Donald Parham Jr (TE) – OUT
JC Jackson (CB) – QUESTIONABLE
Keenan Allen (WR) – QUESTIONABLE
Kansas City Chiefs
Trent McDuffie (CB) – OUT
Trey Smith (OG) – QUESTIONABLE
Harrison Butker (K) – QUESTIONABLE
Derrick Gore (RB) – QUESTIONABLE
Lucas Niang (OT) – OUT
Justyn Ross (WR) – OUT
Match Preview
The past two seasons has seen these two teams split their regular season fixtures, with both sides winning their away games last year. The Chargers travelled to Arrowhead in week 3 last year, coming away with a thrilling 30-24 victory, coming back from a 17-14 deficit in the 4th quarter. In week 15, the Chiefs returned the favour, travelling to SoFi and coming away with a 34-28 overtime victory on Thursday Night Football.
This promises to be no different, with two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL looking to establish dominance atop the AFC West early in the season. The QBs will be helped by two of the most dominant offensive lines in week 1, with neither quarterback being sacked. The Chargers have really worked on their O-Line, and the drafting of guard Zion Johnson in the first round of this year’s draft appears to be a home run. Expect both defences to struggle to get to the quarterback, and as a result plenty of points to be put on the board. The total is high (currently 54.5), which has me shying away from the total in this one, however I wouldn’t be surprised to see this fly over the total.
Both sides are likely to be missing a crucial playmaker each, with the Chiefs to be without rookie corner Trent McDuffie, whilst Keenan Allen is likely to miss this week with a knee injury. Allen is currently listed as questionable, however with the short turnaround I’m not expecting him to play. JC Jackson is also racing the clock to be fit for the Chargers, and if he misses the Chiefs gain a huge advantage.
My number is sitting at close to Chiefs -5, and with a -3.5 at Betfair currently paying $1.92, I can’t not take it. It’s a divisional match, so anything could happen, but the Chiefs will want to show they are still the top dog in the AFC West, and I expect them to get it done. Chiefs 31-25.
Alternate Bets:
Over 54.5 - $1.98 @ Betfair
Mike Williams (over 66.5) receiving yards - $1.90 @ Bluebet
Travis Kelce (over 78.5) receiving yards - $1.90 @ Palmerbet
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5)
$1.92 (2 Units)
