Chase Daniels is already starting to get fan support to supplant Alex Smith under center in Kansas City. The duo certainly gives the Chiefs nice depth as they take their 2-0 record into the weekend against the 1-1 Titans.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Titans currently have the second worst odds to win the Super Bowl at +25000 while the Chiefs aren’t exactly amongst the elite, but sit with a much better shot at +4000.
With Kansas City at home and possessing significantly better talent than Tennessee, it comes as no surprise to see the Chiefs installed as 4-point favorites with the game total lined at 43.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Here in Week 3, we are likely to see more of Alex Smith than we have thus far before he turns the ball over to Chase Daniel.
Given how each has played in this preseason, however, that may not actually be a good thing.
So far, Smith has looked very pedestrian in completing 17-of-28 passes for 123 yards, a single touchdown and two picks. Daniels, meanwhile, is 25-for-33 with four touchdowns and 271 yards and is opening eyes.
On the other side of the field, Marcus Mariota has played really well in training camp. In preseason action, however, he’s yet to record a touchdown. He’s 12-for-16 for 153 yards over the course of his first preseason.
In the first two games, the team’s backups have played well, combining to go 31-for-38 for 414 yards and three touchdowns. Zach Mettenberger has gotten most of the work, but Alex Tanney has been really impressive with a 144.1 passer rating.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
This is a big game for both teams simply because we’ll get our best looks at each team’s starters, but neither coach figures to put too much into this single preseason game, particularly with the Titans already capturing a win over the Rams in Week 2.
With Tennessee’s struggles last year, they need to show fans the team has improved and give them a bit of hope and something to watch. Had they gone 0-2 in their first two games, there would likely be a bit more urgency on their end, but that’s not the case.
For Andy Reid in Kansas City, the game still remains about sorting out a very crowded roster that includes 90 men in camp with only 53 set to make the team. That’s a lot of players to see.
QUOTE TO NOTE
After the Chief’s last game, Daniels spoke about his performance and the entire team’s comfort within the system. Kansas City beat the Cardinals 34-19 and Daniels said:
“I’ve been in this offense for three years now, all these guys have, and they know what to do—just go out there and do it, and they did it tonight, man. Hat goes off to them.”
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The running back position is still up in the air in Tennessee. Bishop Sankey had the upper hand coming into camp and has gotten the start in both preseason games, but he didn’t impress in Week 1, though he was a bit better in Week 2.
Overall, Sankey has 60 yards on 14 carries. David Cobb, meanwhile, has continued to get carries with 19 for 79 yards. Antonio Andrews and former Chief Dexter McCluster also figure to be part of the rotation and both have gotten looks—and touchdowns.
INJURIES
Linebacker Dee Ford may have fractured a rib in Kansas City’s narrow 14-13 win over Seattle.
In addition, while Jamaal Charles is not injured, he will be used sparingly to avoid injury. The injury prone back’s workload is being intentionally limited in the preseason to help keep him fresh.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Chiefs are at home and have been playing quality football here in the preseason. With more snaps for the starters in Week 3, the talent discrepancy between Tennessee and Kansas City will be even more apparent, particularly with the Titans still grooming a rookie quarter back and still indecisive on their backfield breakdown.
Kansas City 24, Tennessee 17
BookMaker sent out the NFL odds for this Sunday game at Kansas City -4 with a total of 43. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
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