Here’s what the Vegas oddsmakers are saying about the Chiefs-Texans game
Nearly three months ago, the Texans left Arrowhead Stadium with a victory, the product of perfectly executing a game plan in which they held the ball for nearly 40 minutes and limited the Chiefs to three possessions after halftime.
In a playoff rematch, the Vegas oddsmakers anticipate a reversal of fortune.
And then some.
The Chiefs are favored by 9 1/2 points against the Texans on Sunday in the AFC Divisional Round, per multiple sportsbooks. The line opened at 8.
That equals the margin in which the Chiefs were favored against the Chargers in the regular season finale. The Chargers were 5-10 at the time.
The spread, in other words, is quite large for a second-round playoff game against a division champion. But it hasn’t dissuaded the public — 53 percent of the wagers have been placed on the Chiefs at the current line, according to BetOnline. The Chiefs covered the spread in each of their final six regular season games.
The over/under for the game is 51 points, and 66 percent of the wagers have been placed on the over at that number, per BetOnline.
Some over/under projections for Sunday’s game, courtesy of BetOnline:
Patrick Mahomes passing yards: 298 1/2.
Deshaun Watson passing yards: 253 1/2.
Tyreek Hill receiving yards: 74 1/2.
DeAndre Hopkins receiving yards: 82 1/2.
Travis Kelce receiving yards: 71 1/2.
Damien Williams rushing yards: 53 1/2.
As they open their postseason schedule, the Chiefs are 7-to-2 to win the Super Bowl. That’s second in the NFL behind the top-seeded Ravens, who are 2-to-1.
In the other AFC Divisional Round game this weekend, the Ravens are favored 10 points against the visiting Titans. If the Ravens win that game — played Saturday night — they will host the AFC Championship Game. If they lose, the winner of the Chiefs-Texans game would host the Titans next weekend.
In the NFC, the 49ers are an even touchdown favorite at home against the Vikings, and the Packers are favored 4 1/2 points at home over the Seahawks.
This story was originally published January 11, 2020 at 11:32 AM.