-8.0 now
Patriots seem like a no-brainer to me, but as always some things to consider before betting on both sides...
- Chiefs still lacking in offensive weapons
(Who can Alex Smith go to other than Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce?)
- Maclin and Charles are gone
(sure they were non-factors last season because of injuries, but that is one less proven playmaker the Chiefs offense has..)
- Alex Smith is in his 12th season and is due to regress
(is there any reason the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes other than to be Smith's eventual replacement? has Smith finally reached his ceiling. He had a good year last season by his standards but i don't see him having the same success this year)
- Chiefs lack of identity in the running game
(Chiefs used to have a dangerous rushing attack with Charles but now that he is gone, the Chiefs backfield tandem of Ware and West has been serviceable but underwhelming at best. i don't think CJ Spiller will make much of an impact imo)
- Chiefs letting go of their GM Glenn Dorsey
(it is baffling to say the least, maybe a bit ominous. If the Chiefs don't make the playoffs this season i can see a roster shakeup happening. Andy Reid will still be around i would think unless they have like the worst record in the league or something which is not likely. i dont see the Chiefs repeating as AFC West champs and possibly miss the playoffs
-Pats offense gets more dynamic with Brandin Cooks
(Chiefs have the secondary to get physical with the Pats but they still have their hands full with Pats recievers with Cooks, Edelman, Amendola, Gronk, Lewis, White and Mitchell
however, i can say for the Chiefs that Andy Reid always gives his team the chance to be competitive and thus i like it whenever he is a dog by a touchdown or more. only way i can see Chiefs covering is if their redzone defense is at the top of their game. Chiefs were pretty good last year in that department. and also will have to factor in the chemistry of incorporating new players like Cooks and Gilislee to the Pats offense. usually that takes time.