After a rough week in a surprising Las Vegas Raiders loss in New York, we’re back with picks for the Sunday Night Football matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. As always, the lines are from Draft Kings as of Friday afternoon.
Smartest Bet of The Week: Over 52 (-110)
The way the Raiders defense has looked as of late; there could be cause for concern. Honestly, the same could be said for the offense. Also, Patrick Mahomes has not been himself this year. All of that could be a recipe for a low-scoring game. Despite all that, I am still taking the over. The line is set over 50 points; that’s the oddsmakers begging people to take the under. Do not take the bait.
That is one of those situations where you just need to look at the basic facts. These are two of the top quarterbacks in the league playing in a huge divisional game in primetime. Remember, even a 27-26 score would hit the over. It is hard to see this game having a lower score than that. It will be shocking if neither team breaks 30. Given what happened in the two matchups between these teams last season, we should expect fireworks.
Safest Bet: Both Teams to Score 20+ Points (-160)
This is a lock. Honestly, I almost did over 25 (+180). The Raiders defense is good, but not THAT good. The Chiefs’ defense is just bad. Barring an injury to a quarterback or catastrophic weather, there is no way that either team holds the other under 20. Take the money and run.
Best Risky Bet: Derrick Gore to Score (+550)
I have to go with a Chief here. Derrick Gore has looked solid with his expanded role as of late. Also, the Raiders were gashed in the run game this past week. I think the Chiefs look to run it in if they get in the red zone. At some point, they too have to start looking at minimizing the opportunities that Mahomes has to throw an interception. Finally, it’s fun to root for Frank Gore’s kid, even if he’s a Chief.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Isaac Brekken