Kansas City Chiefs Odds to Win 2011 Super Bowl


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Coming into the 2010 season the expectations weren’t high for the Kansas City Chiefs, as they went just 4-12 during the 2009 season, and had won a total of just 10 games over the last three seasons. While many thought the Chiefs would be improved this year, few predicted that they would go 10-6 and win the AFC West. Kansas City enters the playoffs as the No.4 seed out of the AFC and currently are listed at +4000 to win the Super Bowl.

Head coach Todd Haley really changed the attitude of the players, and got this team believing that they were a talented young group with a lot of potential. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize it, as the Chiefs jumped out to a 3-0 record, including a big win over the San Diego Chargers at home in week 1 on Monday Night Football.

The Chiefs biggest strength is their ability to run the football. Kansas City added Thomas Jones in the offseason, and while his numbers aren’t great, he allowed Jamaal Charles to keep fresh legs and the Chiefs averaged a league-best 164 yards a game on the ground.

With an improved running game, came improved play from quarterback Matt Cassel, who quitely put together one heck of a season, throwing for 3,116 yards with 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.

Cassel also benefited from huge improvements from wide out Dwyane Bowe, who led the NFL with 15 receiving touchdowns. Bowe finished with 72 catches, 50 more than the next best wide receiver. That just shows you how good Bowe was this season.

Kansas City also had an exceptional draft class. The Chiefs took safety Eric Berry with their first-round pick, and Berry finished second on the team with 92 tackles, led the team with four interceptions, including one for a touchdown, and also had two sacks. Tight end Tony Moeaki, wide out Dexter McCluster, corner Javier Arenas, safety Kendrick Lewis, and guard Jon Asamoah all played huge roles in the Chiefs winning the West.

The Chiefs also showed a lot of improvements on the defensive side of the ball. Corners Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr were outstanding this season, and are going to be a force for many years to come. Tamba Hali finished second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks and Derrick Johnson showed major improvements from last season.

The big knock on the Chiefs is they played the easiest schedule of any team this season, and their only win against a team that made the playoffs, is against the Seattle Seahawks, who won the NFC West with a record of 7-9. Making Kansas City a tough pick to make it out of the AFC this postseason. The Chiefs are set to host the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, but are 3-point underdogs at home.

If Kansas City is able to beat the Ravens, they would have to go on the road and take on the Steelers or Patriots, two teams who appear to be far ahead of the Chiefs, but I don’t think you will see this Chiefs team back down from anyone. Kansas City played a big role in keeping the Steelers out of the playoffs with a win over Pittsburgh late last year, and the Chiefs have so many former Patriots, that you have to think they at least have a shot against Belichick and Brady.

If the Chiefs struggle to run the ball, they have little chance of winning, and will likely be knocked out in the first round, but if the Chiefs can run the ball, win the turnover battle, and play solid defense, they could be the surprise team out of the AFC this season.

If you are looking to do some NFL betting this postseason, check out what our expert NFL handicappers have to offer in their NFL playoff picks.

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