On Sunday, September 20, the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to build on their Week 1 MNF win over the Denver Broncos, while the Indianapolis Colts will be hoping to bounce back from a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The two will clash for a Sunday Night Football matchup at Arrowhead Stadium. With that in mind, keep reading for betting odds, picks, and player props for this exciting showdown. Also, make sure you head over to our Week 2 NFL Betting Hub for a look at all of our NFL betting content.
MORE: Head to the Pro Picks page for best bets from all of our VSiN hosts and analysts!
How To Watch Colts vs. Chiefs
When: Sunday, September 20 at 8:20 pm ET
Where: Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
Channel: NBC
Colts vs. Chiefs Odds
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook accurate as of Friday, September 18. Look around for the best prices!
Moneyline: Chiefs -290, Colts +235
Spread: Chiefs -6.5 (-115), Colts +6.5 (-105)
Total: Over 46.5 (-110), Under 46.5 (-110)
Colts vs. Chiefs Analysis
While the Chiefs looked dangerous in Week 1, you don’t want to overreact to one performance. Of course, Kenneth Walker III looked insane in his 173-yard outing against the Broncos, and it’s pretty clear this running game will be going to another level his season. However, I can’t quite say the passing game looked sharp. Until it does, it’s going to be hard to suggest backing Kansas City as a sizable favorite.
The Colts looked really lousy against the Ravens in Week 1, which definitely factors into our VSiN betting splits pages showing overwhelming support for the Chiefs. But that showing against Baltimore makes Indianapolis interesting in Week 2. Under Shane Steichen, the Colts are 8-1 straight-up when coming off a game in which they gave up at least 300 passing yards. He has been good about getting his team up after a bad game, and the Colts have won such games by 10.1 points per game. That’s not to say Indianapolis will win this one outright, but you should expect a much better effort. The Colts are also 10-6 against the spread as road underdogs under Steichen. Meanwhile, under Andy Reid, the Chiefs are just 48-58-1 as favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points.
This is also the type of game that has the potential to be a run-dominant affair. Indianapolis’ offense is still built around Jonathan Taylor, and Walker is the focal point for Kansas City now. Naturally, the Chiefs will try to give Mahomes some chances to beat the Colts over the top, but this hasn’t been an explosive-play offense in quite some time. Well, if this one ends up being a battle of the ground games, you’d rather have the points with Indianapolis — and you’d probably rather be on the Under.
I’ll also note that I really think the Chiefs offensive line — which currently has an inexperienced left tackle — will struggle to consistently push against a stout Colts front. Then, with the other line, Chris Jones is banged up for Kansas City. The battle in the trenches could go the way of the road team.
Colts vs. Chiefs Player Props
LEAN: Josh Downs Over 40.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
Last week, Downs had two catches for 37 yards. However, better days should be ahead for Indianapolis’ best route runner. Perhaps one of them will come Sunday night. According to our VSiN WR/CB Matchup Tool (presented by FantasyPoints), Downs has a pretty sizable advantage in this game. His matchup with L’Jarius Sneed should allow him to get open over the middle of the field. Sneed had a good game against the Broncos in Week 1, but he had a PFF grade of 50.4% last year. Also, if you happen to like the Chiefs here, that means the Colts will be throwing quite a bit. That would be a strong script outcome for Downs bettors.
Colts vs. Chiefs Pick
In diving into this game, I found myself leaning strongly towards Indianapolis. Fortunately, I was able to find a +7.5 at -135, and getting that extra point pushed me over the line. If you can’t get the +7.5 at a reasonable number, I’d look to into parlaying the Colts +8.5 with an Under on 52.5. That’s out there at plus-money odds.
Bet: Colts +7.5 (-135)
