AFC Playoff Predictions: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts
Saturday, 1/4/14, 4:35 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Indianapolis -2.5
Current Betting Line: Indianapolis PK
Opening Total: 46
Current Total: 46
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Rams Chiefs NFL Preview — The Kansas City Chiefs are dangerous on the road against the Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City finished the regular season by losing its last two games, including a 27-24 overtime setback to the San Diego Chargers as 15.5-point road underdogs in Week 17, while going OVER the betting total for the fifth time in six contests. The Chiefs have lost the statistical battle in eight of nine games, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines. “It’s the start of a new season,” commented Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. The franchise went 6-1 SU on the road with Alex Smith at quarterback this year—throwing for 11 touchdowns and one interception in that situation. Kansas is 4-2 ATS in games with a betting line of +3 to -3 this season.

The Chiefs are seeking their first playoff victory since the 1993 season, which is important to consider when making your NFL betting predictions. Kansas City hasn’t played in a closed dome since a preseason matchup with the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 9, 2013. “It’s a playoff game, so it will be even louder,” stated Smith earlier this week. Offensively, the team finished sixth in the league in allowing just 26.9 points a contest, as it averaged 208.8 passing yards and 128.5 rushing yards.

Indianapolis went 11-5 SU and 10-6 ATS during the regular season, as it prepares to host its first playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium since 2010. The Colts managed to put together a three-game winning streak despite wrapping up the division early on, but the roster knew it was important to play solid football heading into the postseason. Defensively, the team must concentrate on stopping Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles, who gained 144 yards on 19 touches in the first meeting. Indianapolis went 2-0 SUATS at home with a betting total of 45.5 to 49 this season.

The Colts have dealt with numerous injury issues throughout the 2013 campaign, with an NFL-high 73 players donning the team’s uniform. Indianapolis has won of the best defensive playmakers in the game in sack champion Robert Mathis, who needs to be accounted for at all times at this particular venue.