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Andrew Rogers
Chiefs vs. Broncos Point Spread: NFL Week 17 Odds, Prediction
With Kansas City having already secured the AFC West title and home-field advantage in the opening round of the playoffs, the Chiefs are set to give some of their starters some needed rest as they visit the Denver Broncos.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Chiefs come into this one getting more than a field goal, marking just the third time all season that Kansas City has been the underdog; it went 1-1 ATS in the other two games. But the Chiefs have struggled on the road, having failed to cover in their previous four games away from Arrowhead. That said, Denver has been a downright dreadful play this season, having gone 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games and 1-7 ATS in its previous eight following a loss.
Even with Mahomes starting and other first-team players expected to rest, Kansas City is the choice of 86 percent of Sports Interaction wagerers. Nearly three-quarters of bettors are leaning toward the under on the 38 ½-point total. Kansas City has gone below the total in six of its last seven games and is 1-4 O/U in its previous five games vs. AFC foes. The Broncos have gone under in five of six games, and are also 1-4 in their last five against conference opponents.
Kansas City Chiefs
There was talk of Mahomes replacing starter Alex Smith at some point this season. Of course, that was before Smith threw for 368 yards and four TDs in the opener en route to career highs in passing yards (4,042) and touchdowns (26). Look for Kareem Hunt to see a series or two at most, likely ceding the majority of work to backup Charcandrick West. The Chiefs are eyeing a season sweep after upending the Broncos 29-19 in Kansas City on Oct. 30.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ season-long quarterback carousel turns to Paxton Lynch to end a supremely disappointing 2017 campaign. Lynch returned to practice this week, having missed the last month with an ankle injury; the Denver coaching staff wants to see what they have in Lynch, who was expected to compete for a starting role coming into the season but was derailed by injuries and poor play. Denver is just 1-6-1 ATS as a favourite in 2017.
