Are the Patriots in Rough Spot as Road Faves Against Chiefs?
By Charles Jay
In the NFL betting odds that have been posted on this MNF game by the people at VietBet, the Patriots are laying a field goal, with an extra price to pay:
New England Patriots -3 (-120)
Kansas City Chiefs +3 (+100)
Over 46 Points -110
Under 46 Points -110
Have the New England Patriots gotten their act together? They slipped badly in the opener when they fell flat in the second half against Miami, but have come back with a coupe of victories, although last week’s result had to be a little too close for comfort. On Monday night they will take the field at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs, who could be something of a mystery themselves, as they are fighting to demonstrate that last year’s playoff appearance was not a fluke. Monday night football betting action starts at 8:30 PM ET and will be televised on ESPN (the game, not the betting action).
The Chiefs did nothing in their opener against Tennessee, as Alex Smith threw three interceptions – a real downer for a team that was second in the league in turnover margin last year. They were more competitive in losing by a touchdown in Denver (getting the cover as a double-digit dog in NFL betting), then took advantage of what the Miami Dolphins themselves were calling a miserable defensive game plan to score a 34-15 victory last week.
The Pats’ 16-9 win over Oakland last Sunday was uninspired. Tom Brady threw the ball 37 times, and did not get intercepted, but the Patriots failed to crack 300 net yards. It was perhaps their good fortune that the Raiders don’t really know how to find the end zone.
One area that Bill Belichick is almost certain to be addressing is the running game. The Pats have people like Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen who should be able to make something happen, but they need to move it more over land. They have tried – indeed, their ratio of 114 passes to 89 runs is respectable from the standpoint of balance.
The Chiefs can run – there is no question about that. Jamaal Charles went down with an injury, and up stepped Knile Davis, who reeled off 132 yards against Miami. With Joe McKnight operating out of the backfield catching short passes (which is essential when Smith is your quarterback), Kansas City was able to put together a winning combination against the Dolphins. And just to piss off those VietBet customers who may have had an under at 42.5 points, they declined to take a knee when they could have run out the clock, running the ball into the end zone instead.
Some Monday night football bettors may wish them ill-will for that one, and they will be tempted by this piece of information – that New England has covered just once in its last six attempts laying points on the road. And at the risk of evoking the anger of those folks who got burned last week, the Chiefs have gone 11-4 to the under in their last 15 games at Arrowhead Stadium.
Whichever side you are looking to play, VietBet has great wagering options for you, as you can grab some extra value with reduced juice and alternate lines, along with plenty of special props for the Monday night football odds!
