KANSAS CITY -7.5 over Oakland
The Chiefs are riding high after beating the defending Super Bowl champions. They’re operating very smoothly with an old school defense and running game approach, but it definitely has worked. We thought the win over New England was a fluke, but the victories weeks later against San Diego and now Seattle have earned respect. You still don’t want to back Alex Smith in a playoff game, but there’s no reason Kansas City can’t give Denver a run for their money in winning the division.
Oakland is still winless and may remain that way all season. The passing offense has floundered in recent weeks, which is exacerbated by the fact that they haven’t had a running game all year. Last week’s display in holding San Diego to 13 points seems more about San Diego’s offense in the wake of Philip Rivers’ mysterious rib injury than it does to an improvement.
The question of this game is simply: will Kansas City let down after last week’s big win? The Chiefs host Denver next week and travel to Arizona the following week. Looking ahead would seem to be the obvious thing here in what’s clearly a trap game. But the Raiders have done their best work on the road and have only covered one of five home games this year. I don’t love the pick, but I’m back the Chiefs because they’re a veteran team with a veteran coach that shouldn’t fall into the trip. That under of 42 does look tasty though.
Kyle’s pick: Oakland
This Week: 0-0
Last Week: 5-8
Season: 84-76-1
Survivor: 7-2
Locks: 16-15-1
Kyle:78-69-1
Last Week: 5-8
Season: 84-76-1
Survivor: 7-2
Locks: 16-15-1
Kyle:78-69-1