MNF Betting Odds, Predictions & Picks: Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots
It may be a new season, but as far as the Chiefs are concerned it’s the same old story. Kanas City Chiefs (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) continue their NFL dominance with the amazing winning streak now stretching to 12 games, 11 of those coming against the spread. They hope to further extend the streak on Monday night when they host the Patriots (2-1 SU, 2-a ATS). New England had a solid start of the season but suffered a blow to their chances in tonight’s matchup with the news of their starting QB Cam Newton testing positive for Covid-19.
MNF Betting Odds & Picks Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots Line Movement
Earlier this week the line was mostly steady favoring the Chiefs by 7 points at BetOnline. After the Cam Newton news breaking out the odds skyrocketed in Kansas Citi favor and the line now is at -11 or -11.5 depending on a sportsbook. The new information made bookies question New England firepower shuttering the under/over lines from 54 to 48.5 points.
New England Information and Notes
The absence of the starting QB brings the significance of two solid wins over the Dolphins and Raiders into question. It will be interesting to see how Belichick’s offense will fare with Brian Hoyer under center. However, over the last few years, the Patriots’ main strength was their defense which will face their biggest challenge this season going against Patrick Mahomes.
From the daily fantasy perspective, the New England defense may be a viable option with Mahomes on the receiving end of two sacks already this season. As Brian Hoyer’s rushing game is nowhere near Newton’s, WR Julian Edelman and the next man up the chart N’Keal Harry should see many more opportunities. The appeal of a three-touchdown hero from the last game, RB Rex Burkhead, pales with the news of James White’s return after a two-game absence due to the family matters.
Thoughts on Kansas City
Last week’s annihilation of the Ravens further cemented the Chiefs’ status as the dominant force in the NFL this season. Patrick Mahomes produced another stunning display finishing the game with 4 touchdowns, 385 passing yards, and 31/42 pass completion showing no signs of stopping on his way to another MVP accolade. At the moment, Andy Reid’s team is a well-oiled machine destroying their opponents with 14.75 points average margin of victory.
When talking about DFS potential, Mahomes carries a significant price, but he always tends to step up in the primetime games and take his performance up another notch. With the Patriots defense potentially focusing on wide receivers in the pick-your-poison situation, TE Travis Kielce could be in for a monster game. A sneaky good pick is a rookie RB, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has adjusted well to the NFL level and already has carried the ball 55 times for 240 yards and a touchdown.
Monday Night Football Betting Pick: New England +11.5
Without their starting QB, New England’s defense will have to be the difference-maker in tonight’s matchup. They have proven multiple times that they enjoy a big-game challenge and should be able to slow down Mahomes at least a bit. On the other hand, Chief’s defense has been somewhat prone to rushing allowing 5.3 yards per carry, which James White and in-form Rex Burkhead will certainly look to exploit. Also, there are 3 games awaiting Kansas City in the next eleven days, so if the game starts heading towards a blowout, they may take their foot off the gas a little. Newton, or no Newton, you will rarely get a chance at the line this high against a team coached by Bill Belichick.
