NFL expert Tom Selwyn (@Tom_Selwyn) shares his expert opinion on the best bets available from Thursday night's action in Kansas City.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs | Friday 14th December 2018, 01:20 | Sky Sports
It’s hard to overstate how much I’m looking forward to this week’s iteration of Thursday Night Football – two superb offenses, the AFC West lead on the line and the possibility of whoever wins this match-up gaining home field advantage throughout the play-offs.
There are unfortunately a number of key injuries to keep track of leading up to the game, with Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler, Tyreek Hill and Spencer Ware all questionable to play. Thankfully, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who has been consistently brilliant and at times unbelievable this season, carries no such designation.
It seems every week there’s new highlights from Mahomes, including last week’s no-look pass, and I expect this game to be no different.
I really like this Chargers team, but I feel that the Chiefs will have too much for them, especially playing at Arrowhead. It’s tempting to just back Kansas City on the handicap, but I think there’s better value in going for the Chiefs win and Mahomes to have 300+ passing yards that’s on offer from Paddy Power at 15/8.
Mahomes has averaged over 330 yards a game this season and with Ware uncertain to play, it could mean that the ball gets put in Mahomes’ hands even more.
Although Los Angeles ranks seventh against the pass, rankings don’t seem to mean much to Kansas City this year. After all, they just put up 377 yards through the air against the Ravens who, statistically have an even better pass defence than the Chargers.
A lot has been made of Chargers QB Philip Rivers’ record in Kansas City (it’s not good), but I don’t think this will be a walkover for the Chiefs by any means – the Chargers have too many top tier players to let that happen.
However, they are not an offensive juggernaut that has made a living out of blitzing teams. The only losses the Chiefs have had this year have been high scoring affairs and I don’t think that the Chargers are built to get involved in a shootout, especially if they are thin at running back.
This should be a great game given how much is on the line, even on a short week.
Best Bets
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs – Kansas City Chiefs to win and Patrick Mahomes to have 300+ Passing Yards (15/8 PaddyPower)
