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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Washington Football Team Odds & Game Pick (2021)

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Among the early-afternoon games on the Week 6 NFL betting slate is a cross-conference matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Football Team. While both squads won their respective divisions a year ago, they enter Sunday’s game with losing records. Only one side will be able to climb back to .500 this week. Many predict this game to be a shootout. The NFL betting oddsmakers are also showing a heavy lean to the road team.

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Details

Opening Lines: Chiefs -5.5; O/U 54
Current Lines: Chiefs -6.5; O/U 54.5
Location: FedExField — Landover, MD
Start Time: 1 p.m. EDT
TV: CBS
Last Meeting: October 2, 2017 — The Chiefs defeated Washington 29-20 in Kansas City.

Overview

While several NFL betting sharps were eyeing the Chiefs as a candidate for regression this season, it’s hard to imagine many envisioned it coming this early. In a Week 5 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City’s horrendous defense plagued them again. As a result, many are marking that game as an official passing of the torch in the AFC. After allowing another 38 points last week, the Chiefs are allowing over 32 points per game on average. That ranks dead last in the NFL, as does their adjusted defensive efficiency rating, per Football Outsiders.

Another concern for Andy Reid and the two-time AFC Conference champs is that Patrick Mahomes has been turnover-prone. He threw two more interceptions in last week’s defeat, bringing his season total to six. It marked his second multi-INT game in three weeks and was also his fourth straight game throwing at least one pick. The Chiefs also have some injury concerns to deal with heading into this Week 6 NFL betting contest. Running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has already been placed on IR. Star tight end Travis Kelce is banged up as well.

After pulling out an improbable win two weeks ago, Washington got thoroughly outclassed on their home field by the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. The 11-point loss looks a lot closer on the scoreboard than it ever felt. Once again, the Football Team’s defense leaked yards and points in bunches. Considering the unit’s expectations coming into the year, Washington’s D is arguably the biggest disappointment in the NFL through five weeks. Unfortunately, things won’t be any easier for Chase Young and Co. this week against a potent Chiefs offense.

Taylor Heinicke was not at his best in last week’s loss, with two interceptions thrown. Fortunately, he has a prime opportunity to rebound in Week 6 against the porous Kansas City defense. At least fantasy football managers were thrilled to see Antonio Gibson garner 20 carries and score two touchdowns last week. He and star wideout Terry McLaurin could be primed for a big game in Sunday’s NFL betting matchup. The over/under for this matchup is notably the highest of any game on this week’s slate.

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Trends

  • The Chiefs are 1-4 ATS and 4-1 to the over this season.
  • Washington is 1-4 ATS and 4-1 to the over this season.
  • Chiefs are 11-2 SU in their last 13 road games.
  • The total has gone over in five of Washington’s last six games.
  • Chiefs are 7-0 ATS in their last seven head-to-head matchups against Washington.

Bottom Line

Based on what we’ve seen through five weeks, this game has all the makings of a shootout. Washington ranks 31st in points allowed per game coming in. The only team that ranks worse is Kansas City, which has surrendered over 32 per game thus far. Both offenses also rank top-12 in points scored on a per-game basis. Patrick Mahomes should be able to bounce back after last week’s two-INT outing. And while bettors might not fully respect Taylor Heinicke just yet, seemingly anyone can go out and carve up the Chiefs’ defense right now. The total is high but arguably not high enough.

In addition to the over, bettors can look to play Washington as a sizable home underdog here. Shop around for the best number possible, considering that +7 is a lot better than +6.5. Both teams have been horrible ATS this season, but Kansas City hasn’t been covering spreads since last season. Given the current state of the defense, they are vulnerable to be upset every time out.

Pick: Washington +6.5, Over 54.5

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Henry John is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Henry, check out his archive and follow him @HankTimeHenry.