The Patriots knew a trip to Arrowhead to face Kansas City was coming, so how will they respond?
WHEN: MONDAY 21 JANUARY, 10:30AM, ARROWHEAD STADIUM
Odds:
Kansas City Chiefs – $1.57
New England Patriots – $2.40
Preview:
If we learned anything from last week’s 41-28 demolition over the Chargers, it’s to never doubt New England ever again. For all the talk surrounding Tom Brady’s last swansong and the lack of receivers, the Patriots still managed to throw for 343-yards and hold LA to just 19 on the ground.
A road trip to Kansas City is an entirely different ball game however, and as New England’s 3-5 record on the road suggests, the Patriots are the rightful underdog. Kansas City destroyed the Colts 31-13 at home last week in a fairly typical Patrick Mahomes performance, but the standout was the defence limiting Andrew Luck to just 203-yards through the air.
As for New England’s struggles on the road, the more said, the better. The Patriots allowed 192 total points away from home during the regular season, but as far as their own offence goes, New England’s red zone touchdown percentage ranked 26th in the league in away games.
The stats also don’t lie when it comes to the Chiefs’ secondary – they allowed the second-most passing yards and the second-most completions this season. You simply can’t look past what they did last week against a stellar offensive line like Indianapolis’ though, especially considering they allowed just one offensive touchdown all game.
On the other hand, the Chiefs defence has shown a tendency to leave the door open for their opponents. A shootout against Tom Brady is never a great idea, but you do have to rewind a little while to find the future Hall of Famers last stellar game-winning drive on the road.
Against the Steelers in Week 15, Brady overthrew a bunch of receivers in a 17-10 loss in Pittsburgh. And against the Titans in Week 10, Brady was pressured up the middle all day, taking three sacks and throwing for just 254-yards in a blowout loss. Get the idea?
Mahomes has already established himself in the two-minute drill, so you know he’s up for a nail-biter. Throw in the fact the Chiefs blew out the Patriots 41-14 last time New England visited Arrowhead, and we could see Kansas City through to their first Super Bowl since 1969.
Tip: Back the Chiefs to Cover The Line (-3 Points) @ $1.87