The streak. The dynasty. One will give in the first of four games in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday when the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of 11 games in a row, take on the New England Patriots, who have reached the AFC Championship Game in four consecutive seasons.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Kansas City Chiefs +4.5
New England Patriots -4.5
Over/Under 45.5
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Patriots are always huge favorites here at home in January, and this almost feels like a bit of an exception to the rule. Seeing New England only at -4.5 insinuates that there's about a 1 in 3 chance of an upset, and considering how well the Pats have played at this level over the years, that just doesn't seem plausible.
The total of 45.5 is going to end up being the second highest of the playoff weekend, and it's a real testament to just how well the Chiefs have played defensively.
New England's last four opening playoff games have seen it put at least 35 points on the board, and the lowest total number of points in any of those games was 55. Live bettors certainly have to keep that in mind before wagering on this one.
WHEN THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS HAVE THE BALL
The Chiefs haven't trailed a game since December 6, but they also haven't played against a legitimate playoff team since that point either. Houston proved to be a complete sham and an unworthy foe in the opening round in a 30-0 whitewash.
That's what concerns us about the KC offense. The Patriots, for as poorly as they've played on offense, have excelled defensively. They've got one of the best front sevens in the league, especially if Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower return to the lineup as is expected.
How are the Chiefs going to fare when they fall behind in this game? Because it's going to happen. The Patriots are going to score some.
Smith hasn't had a history of reacting well to bad situations, and it isn't going to get much worse than playing in snow flurries in Foxboro in January when this comes up. Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West have to stay involved in this offense every step of the way, because if Smith has to throw the ball, especially if Jeremy Maclin can't play after hurting his ankle against Houston, this could end up getting ugly.
WHEN THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL
Properly inflated balls or not, the Patriots are dominant in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, and a lot of that is because Tom Brady is one of the best quarterbacks in the league when coming off of a bye week. In his postseason career, he has 53 TDs in 29 games, and he has five rushing scores to add to that as well. With Julian Edelman expected back in the lineup, good things should happen here.
The Chiefs really haven't seen a lot of top flight tight ends this year, and that could set Rob Gronkowski up for a big game, especially in the red zone. Gronk scored a TD in all three of his playoff games last year, and he figures to get his chances near the end zone in this one.
Live bettors are certainly aware that the Chiefs have allowed just one offensive touchdown to be scored against them on the road since Week 7 of the regular season, but let's not forget that those games came against the Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Ravens and Texans.
If the pass rush with a hobbled Justin Houston and a less effective than normal Tamba Hali can't get to Brady in this game, live bettors should be ready to see the Pats score and score in bunches in this one.
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Click here and start wagering today! The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots is scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 4:35 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
