Chiefs Lions Line


Written by -

The Detroit Lions will look to open the 2011 season 2-0 this Sunday when they host the Kansas City Chiefs in week 2 of NFL action. The Lions opened the year with an impressive 27-20 win at Tampa Bay, while the Chiefs were crushed at home 41-7 by the Buffalo Bills.  A lot has changed since the last time these two teams faced off in 2003.

Looking at the week 2 NFL odds, oddsmakers currently have Detroit favored by 9-points over Kansas City with the total set at 45.

Kansas City Chiefs:

The Chiefs didn’t look anything like the team that finished 10-6 to win the AFC West in 2010. They were dominated in every area of the game. Buffalo outgained them 364 to 213. The Chiefs turned it over three times, including the opening kickoff which really put them in hole early.

The Chiefs offense struggled to get anything going early, and when they finally put together a strong drive they missed the field goal. The Chiefs only touchdown came at the end of the first half on a six-yard touchdown catch by running back Jamaal Charles.

Kansas City finished with 108 rushing yards on 18 carries, but it wasn’t the ground attack everyone was expecting. A lot of that had to do with the Chiefs playing from behind the whole game. Charles ended up with 56 yards on 10 carries, while Dexter McCluster added 42 yards on four attempts. Look for Kansas City to really emphasize the run game this week against the Lions.

If the run game isn’t working the Chiefs could be in a lot of trouble if quarterback Matt Cassel plays like he did last week. Cassel went 22 of 36 for a touchdown and interception, but threw for just 119 yards. Without a run game, Cassel figures to get  tormented by Ndamukong Suh and the rest of the Lions’ defensive line.

Defensively the Chiefs will be without Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry for the remainder of the season. Berry is a big reason why the Chiefs defense showed so much improvement last year, and it will be interesting to see how much they miss him as the season goes on.

Detroit Lions:

The Lions really looked impressive against the Buccaneers. Matthew Stafford had a pass intercepted for a touchdown by Aqib Talib, but really had a nice game overall. Stafford completed 24 of 33 for 305 yards and three touchdowns.

Two of those touchdowns tosses went to Pro Bowl wide out Calvin Johnson, who finished the day with six catches for 88 yards. Nate Burleson added five catches for 60 yards and tight end Brandon Pettigrew hauled in four for 57.

Detroit also got a nice game out of running back Jahvid Best, who carried it 21 times for 72 yards. Best also caught 4 passes for 42 yards.Expect Detroit to use Best a lot this week after Buffalo running back Fred Jackson carried it 20 times for 112 yards last week against the Chiefs.

The defense made life miserable for the Bucs, especially when Tampa Bay tried to run the football.  Detroit allowed just 56 yards on the ground, and really seemed to scare Tampa Bay away from even trying to run the ball. Starting running back LaGarrette Blount had just five carries for 15 yards. We will find out just how good this unit is when they face the Chiefs this week.

Betting Trends:

Kansas City is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a road underdog and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.

Detroit is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.

Need some help with who to take this week? Check to see what Steve Janus puts out in his premium plays for week 2.

Subscribe to the BetFirms RSS Feed
Comments

Got something to say?