Chiefs vs Falcons Predictions: Chiefs looking to maintain perfect start
The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons will meet in Week 3 NFL action from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night (Monday 01:20, live on Sky Sports Main Event).
The Chiefs come into this game with a 2-0 record, while the Falcons narrowly edged out the Eagles in their most recent encounter. Check out my Chiefs vs Falcons prediction below, as well as team news and match odds.
Team News
Starting running back Isiah Pacheco is set to miss six to eight weeks due to a fractured fibula, so rookie Carson Steele or Samaje Perine could be given a chance to shine here.
Pacheco's injury has also forced the Chiefs' hand to sign Kareem Hunt in order to bolster the running back options. Hunt rejoins after six years away from Kansas City, but he'll need time to become reacquainted with Andy Reid's playbook.
As for Atlanta, Nate Landman has been placed on injured reserve, as he's been dealing with a quad injury since August, while Kevin King has been signed off the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's meeting with the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Chiefs vs Falcons page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.
Unsurprisingly, the Chiefs are 8/15 favourites for the game on the moneyline, meaning that they have a 54.5% theoretical chance of moving to 3-0 for the season, while Atlanta are 6/4 straight up.
The handicap is currently set at 3.5, with the Falcons 5/6 to cover, and it's 1/1 for Kansas City to do the same. It's also 1/1 for over 46.5 points, and you can back the under at 5/6.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ 1/1
The Chiefs won a 26-25 thriller against Cincinnati last week, courtesy of a Harrison Butker 51-yard field goal.
Patrick Mahomes continues to shine for Kansas City, throwing for 442 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions for the season so far, and the reigning champions have won each of their last eight matches.
His partner in crime, Travis Kelce, hasn't really got going, with just four catches for 39 yards, yet the Chiefs are still 2-0. What happens when he finds some form?
The loss of Pacheco, who ran for 90 yards and caught five passes against the Bengals, could be a significant one, but I still think Kansas City have too many offensive weapons that the Falcons will struggle to keep pace with.
Atlanta are more than capable of putting up a fight, as displayed by their 22-21 victory over the Eagles on Monday night, but I'm taking the Chiefs to cover here, as they've covered the spread in seven of their last eight encounters.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Under 43.5 points @ 7/5
When it comes to points scored, I'm taking the alternative line for some added odds-against value.
The Falcons are only averaging 16 points, and have had some low-scoring affairs recently, so I'm expecting Mahomes and the Chiefs to dictate the pace of the game, and wind down the clock in the second half once they have an established lead.
This bet has landed in both of Atlanta's outings so far this term, as well as two of their final three matches from last season. It feels as though this pick hinges on how badly KC want to rack up the points.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
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Remember to check out our NFL Betting Tips index page where we preview games live on Sky Sports along with a weekly Predictions column.
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