NFL Preseason Predictions: Will Chiefs beat Bengals as road fave? 8/19/17
Will the Kansas City Chiefs knock off the Cincinnati Bengals tonight at 7:00PM ET in NFL preseason play?
The Matchup: Chiefs vs. Bengals, 7:00PM ET, Paul Brown Stadium
According to oddsmakers, the Chiefs are 2.5-point road favorites versus the Bengals tonight. Kansas City had opened as a 1.5-point underdog but the line “jumped the fence” and now the Chiefs are favored.
As for the total, the number opened at 40 and that’s where it currently sits.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes II stole the show a week ago against the 49ers, passing for 49 yards and a touchdown on seven-of-nine passing. The rookie has turned heads in practice and looked good in his exhibition debut. Tyler Bray also performed well, completing 5-of-8 passes for 63 yards, although he threw an interception.
Meanwhile, offseason acquisition C.J. Spiller rushed twice for nine yards while Spencer Ware was held to six yards on four carries. Chris Conley led the receivers with two receptions for 46 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals won their preseason opener, beating the Buccaneers 23-12 in Cincinnati. Joe Mixon stole the headlines, rushing six times for 31 yards as the rookie continues to impress this summer. Passing wise, Jeff Driskel completed 8-of-9 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.
In his return to the field following a banged-up 2016 campaign, A.J. Green caught two passes for 21 yards. Alex Erickson led Cincinnati with three receptions for 50 yards.
Our Prediction
It’s interesting to note that the Chiefs opened as underdogs before moving to a road favorite. That might have to do with Mahomes, who has drawn media praise throughout the last two weeks for his play in practice and in Kansas City’s preseason opener. He also seemingly has lit a small fire under Alex Smith, who has reportedly thrown more downfield in practice, which is out of his usually conservative comfort zone. What does it all mean? It’s difficult to tell since it’s only the preseason. But I’m playing into the line movement tonight.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Predictions: Kansas City Chiefs -2.5
