Thursday Night Football Week 2

Who: Chargers at Chiefs

Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

When: Thursday, September 15, 8:20 pm ET

Odds

Moneyline: Chiefs -225, Chargers +185

Spread: Chiefs -4

Total: 54 o/u

In a matchup that could determine the eventual AFC West winner, these two division rivals square off in a primetime matchup that will set off fireworks. Both squads carry the offensive firepower that could lead to a shootout and ultimately come down to which team has the final possession in the contest.

The Chiefs quelled any doubt critics maintained about their explosiveness following the Tyreek Hill trade in the offseason for the home team. Kansas City traveled to Arizona in Week 1 and completely dismantled the Cardinals in a 44-21 thrashing in Glendale. TE Travis Kelce appeased all who drafted him in their fantasy leagues by hauling in 8 catches for 121 yards and a TD, while Patrick Mahomes made a case for MVP consideration with an impressive 30-for-39 completions for 360 yards and 5 TDs.

The Chargers also cashed in a win in their season opener by defeating the Raiders in Los Angeles on Sunday, 24-19. Justin Herbert picked up where he left off in his breakout 2021 year by throwing for 279 yards and 3 TDs. However, the Chargers did not come out unscathed as WR Keenan Allen suffered a hamstring injury which will keep him sidelined in tonight’s matchup. Still, the Chargers have plenty of backup options, with WRs Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, and DeAndre Carter set to pick up key targets.

According to Oddsshark, Los Angeles is 3-1 straight up and ATS in its last four contests in Kansas City and 4-1 straight up and ATS in its previous five games as a road underdog. Meanwhile, Kansas City is 8-1 in its prior nine home matchups.

In this game, I will take the points with the road underdog. Even with Allen out, Herbert will have plenty of weapons and look to incorporate more of the run game behind Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. The Chiefs will also be missing their reliable K Harrison Butker, who has been ruled out before kickoff. I still like Kansas City to win outright, but it will come down to which team will kick a field goal to win in a matchup like this. In that case, I’ll roll with the Chargers and the points. 

In terms of the total, I will side with the under. Both teams will play on short rest and may start the contest slightly sluggish. Each team’s defense should also be able to step up and make some key plays to end drives early.

Picks:

Chargers +4

Under 54