Monday Night Football Betting: Chiefs at Packers
Tonight’s Chiefs-Packers battle might not be a Super Bowl preview, but it’s still a solid matchup for Week 3 of Monday Night Football. Kansas City careened off a cliff at the end of their crushing defeat to Denver back on the Week 2 Thursday night extravaganza. On the flip side, Green Bay has played stable, patient ball on its way to a 2-0 start. However, injuries continue to plague the team early in the season. Eddie Lacy and Davante Adams are both listed as probable, although both could see limited snaps. In addition, linebacker Mike Neal and safety Morgan Burnett might not suit up. Here’s a preview and prediction for Week 3 of Monday Night Football.
Kansas City at Green Bay -6.5
The Chiefs have had a few extra days to prepare for Green Bay and forget the debacle versus Denver. Five costly turnovers ruined an otherwise inspired effort from the defense, which held Peyton and Co. to 299 total yards. 2014 sack leader Justin Houston has notched 3 already, and he will look to pressure Aaron Rodgers into throwing his first interception in Lambeau Field since 2012. The KC offense still runs through Jamaal Charles, but emerging tight end Travis Kelce and free agent hire Jeremy Maclin have added energy to the passing game. The onus is on Alex Smith to cut down the mistakes and keep the offense on track in order to limit the chances Rodgers has to inflict damage. Rookie corner Marcus Peters is a player to watch; he’s played like a veteran thus far, but expect Rodgers to test him early and often. Chiefs are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 road games.
The absence of Jordy Nelson has clearly affected the Packers attack. Rodgers has been efficient, not dominant. Randall Cobb has shaken a preseason shoulder injury, but he lacks the same deep threat ability as Nelson. Eddie Lacy is nursing a sprained ankle, so James Starks could receive a bigger workload to help balance the playcalling. Through two games the defense has been awful against the run, ranking 31st in the league; if they can’t contain Charles, it will end up being a long night for the front seven. That said, this one boils down to how well Rodgers can dissect an aggressive Chiefs defense. The reigning MVP is money in the bank at home, especially under the lights. The last time he suited up on Monday night, Rodgers tossed for 327 yards and three scores in a 43-37 victory over Atlanta last November. Green Bay is 7-2 ATS in its last nine tilts at Lambeau.
The Chiefs are 3-1 ATS in the last four meetings in the series. The Packers are 2-0 ATS in 2015, and 5-1 ATS in the last six overall. KC is a feisty bunch, but it’s hard to bet against #12 in his house.
Bet Green Bay -6.5
