The Chiefs may have come up a little short against the Patriots last week, but they certainly proved they are a legitimate threat in the AFC. How will they respond when they welcome the Bengals to Arrowhead in prime time with another massive total on the board? We break down the best ways to wager this AFC battle. **video
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-6, 57.5)
QUICK HITTER
The Chiefs are coming off a slugfest with the Patriots last weekend and while they came up short they proved they’re one of the best teams in the NFL. Their offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, has been lights out and face off against a Bengals secondary that ranks 29th against the pass. That could mean trouble for a Bengals team playing on the road in prime time. The Chiefs offense should have no issues moving the ball early on in this game as Mahomes will march the ball down field and give Kansas City the first major score of the game.
Prediction: First Score Chiefs TD (+150)
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HALF TIME BET
The Bengals rush defense is a little more serviceable as they sit 20th in the NFL, but they have the unenvious task of trying to contain Kareem Hunt. The sophomore back should have plenty of holes thanks to the large arsenal of weapons the Chiefs have on offense. Kansas City’s defense has actually been worse than Cincinnati’s, but the Bengals offense hasn’t been anything special this season and their ability to take advantage of the Chief’s shortcomings remains in doubt. The Chiefs should have no trouble putting points up in the first half and at a nice price they go over their first half team total.
Prediction: Chiefs first-half total Over 16.5 points (-120)
TEAM/PLAYER BET
Last weekend’s shootout between the Chiefs and Patriots proved that Kansas City’s offense can knife through the best of defensive game plans and this weekend should be another example of just how dangerous this team can be. The Bengals do have some weapons, including one of the league’s best young runners in Joe Mixon, and should be able to put up points. But the expectation of them keeping up with Kansas City is a bit far fetched. Look for the Chiefs offense to be methodical and deliberate and have success scoring in every quarter.
Prediction: Chiefs to score in every quarter (+120)
FULL-GAME TOTAL
The total in this one is approaching the 60-point mark and is trending upward thanks to KC’s seemingly unlimited ceiling on offense. Even so, this seems to be an incredibly high number for these two sides. The Under is 6-2 in their last eight meetings and has gone south of the total in six of Kansas City’s last seven against a team with a winning record. Meanwhile the Bengals, have clipped the Under in 15 of their last 20 after allowing 250 yards passing or more in their previous outing and offensively the Bengals may not do enough to contribute to the Over. Expect this one to finish around the 51-point mark and safely come in Under the number.
Prediction: Under 58.5
FULL-GAME SIDE
The Bengals and Chiefs have both looked like playoff teams this season with the latter looking more like a real Super Bowl threat. The Bengals are coming off a walk-off loss at home last weekend against the Steelers and will be out for retribution, but it won’t be easy as Arrowhead is one of the toughest places play in the NFL for visitors. The Chiefs are also one of the toughest bets around going 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 games and are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 following a cover. Meanwhile, the Bengals are 8-1 ATS in their last nine against AFC opponents, but they don’t have the horses to keep up with the Chiefs in this spot. Kansas City wins 34-17.
Prediction: Chiefs -6
