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The Chiefs are the only undefeated team left in the NFL at 4-0 and are hoping to claim the top seed in the AFC in the playoffs. There is a long way to go, but a nice road win here would be another step in the right direction.
The Texans dominated Tennessee last time out and have both sides of the ball working. Based on Houston’s recent success, this game has been deemed a coin flip, with each team able to emerge victorious depending on what kind of bounces happen in the contest.
This contest in Week 5 of the regular season will go down Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Kansas City Chiefs PK
Houston Texans PK
Over/Under 46.5
Odds Analysis
The Chiefs have the slightly better personnel but the Texans have the home field advantage. Therefore, the oddsmakers have deemed this one a pick ‘em. There is a clear preference among bettors as the Chiefs are getting nearly 77 percent of the money to win this game.
The scoring total is low as each side has a tough defense. The “over” is the more common choice thus far as more than 63 percent of the action expects more scoring that projected.
The Chiefs were a part of one of the most memorable “bad beat” games in recent history last week. They were leading the Redskins 23-20 with one play remaining as they closed out a win. Washington kept lateraling to keep the play alive, until Justin Houston recovered a fumble and took it into the end zone.
The score made it 29-20 with zeros left on the clock, which gave Kansas City the cover and helped the total go “over.”
Injury Report
Dee Ford — Kansas City’s edge-rusher missed the team’s game against Washington with a lower back injury. He has double-digit sack potential when he is healthy for a full season, so it’s a big loss. Ford didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif -- The Chiefs’ right guard suffered a knee sprain against the Redskins and didn’t return. He didn’t practice on Wednesday and could also miss this contest unless he is able to bounce back quickly.
Duane Brown -- The Texans’ star left tackle isn’t hurt, but he continues his holdout. Brown is unhappy with his contract but there doesn’t seem to be any movement on this issue and he will likely miss the game. Brown is a big loss but Houston has been able to overcome it of late after struggling on the line in the opener.
Player To Watch
Deshaun Watson -- The Texans rookie quarterback was great last time out, and if he continues to make progress, Houston could be a scary team. Watson threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns in the blowout win over the Titans. He also added 24 rushing yards and a touchdown, showing every bit of why Houston grabbed him in the first round of the draft.
Watson has thrown for 811 yards this season with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. The dual threat has also been a problem on the ground, carrying the ball 19 times for 148 yards. The Chiefs want to force Watson to sit in the pocket and throw the ball, but that is easier said than done.
ATS Pick
The Texans were great last time out, and that’s going to make some bettors pick them, but the Chiefs have the more consistent offense. Watson may not do as well in this one against a top-tier defense.
Take Kansas City to remain undefeated by traveling to Houston and coming away with the win.
NFL Odds: Chiefs 26, Texans 20
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