Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Sunday, 9/25/11, 4:05 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: San Diego -15
Current Betting Line: San Diego -14.5
Opening Total: 44
Current Total: 44.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Kansas City has likely been the worst team in the NFL through two weeks of the season, dropping consecutive contests to the Buffalo Bills (41-7) and Detroit Lions (48-3). The Chiefs have been out-gained by 295 yards and have failed to cover the spread by an average of 36.5 points a contest. “The season will not be canceled as far as I know,” commented Chiefs head coach Todd Haley about the start. To make matters worse, the team lost a significant weapon in running back Jamaal Charles, who was second in the league in rushing a year ago. Kansas City is 16-19 ATS over the last two-plus seasons, including a 9-8 ATS mark on the road.
The Chiefs backfield will now rely heavily on Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster, but both are unable to be an every down back. “Going forward we’ve got a good group of running backs,” stated Haley about the team’s depth. As down as they are about their teammate’s injury, they’re excited about the opportunity. Quarterback Matt Cassel must improve his play significantly in order for last year’s division champion to make the playoffs for a second consecutive year, but he’s averaged just 114.3 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions in his last three games against the Chargers.
San Diego is 1-1 on the year and is coming off a 35-21 loss to New England as seven-point road underdogs. The Chargers need a win in their division opener to make sure they don’t fall behind the Denver Broncos or Oakland Raiders. “There’s a sense of urgency,” commented Chargers linebacker Takeo Spikes. “This game is full of highs and lows.” The team definitely knows that it can’t go 3-3 in the division like it did last year and must hold onto the football. San Diego is 12-16 ATS as a favorite and 9-8 ATS at home.
The Chargers must limit their turnovers, as they had a chance of winning last week’s game, but mistakes cost them against the Patriots. San Diego has lost two fumbles and thrown four interceptions, while Kansas City has lost five fumbles and thrown four interceptions. Quarterback Philip Rivers is still one of the best in the league, throwing for a combined 713 yards and four touchdowns, while also averaging 295.2 yards and posting a 108 passer rating in his last six chances versus the Chiefs secondary. He may be without tight end Antonio Gates and wide receiver Malcolm Floyd, as both are suffering from injuries.
Bettors will likely back the Chiefs due to their 10-2 ATS mark as a underdog of 10.5 or more points, while the Chargers are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games.
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