NFL 'TNF' Week 6: Best bets and preview for Chiefs vs. Broncos
"Thursday Night Football" is back for an AFC West tilt between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. If you're a fan of either team, you know exactly how this rivalry has played out in recent years. The Chiefs have won 15 straight games against the Broncos dating back to 2015, and they should comfortably make it 16 as massive favorites on their home field.
We have to get a bit creative for the betting card this week, so let's try to find some winners for what should be a glaring mismatch.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos
Betting odds: Chiefs -10.5, over/under 47.5, Chiefs -620 | Broncos +460
The Chiefs and the Broncos couldn't be going in more opposite directions right now.
After losing in Week 1 to the Detroit Lions, Kansas City has rattled off four straight wins to take control of the AFC West at 4-1. Denver, on the other hand, is 1-4 and has given up 164 points over the last four weeks. This is one of the worst defenses we've seen in the NFL for quite some time, and it's doubtful the Broncos will be able to shore up their issues on the road against Patrick Mahomes.
As for the injury report, Travis Kelce is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 5, but he's expected to suit up on "TNF." Defensive end George Karlaftis and punter Tommy Townsend are also listed as questionable, but linebacker Nick Bolton will be back in the lineup for the first time since Week 2.
The Broncos will be without defensive tackle D.J. Jones, LB Baron Browning and LB Frank Clark, who may have played his last game in Denver as trade rumors heat up.
'Thursday Night Football' best bets
Chiefs team total over 29.5 (-104 FanDuel)
The Broncos passing defense has been historically bad to start the season. Denver ranks dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per attempt (8.5), passing touchdowns allowed per game (2.6) and opponent completion percentage (77.27 percent). Now they have to go on the road and face Mahomes.
How's that gonna go?
In short, poorly. The Broncos have already given up 30 or more points to Zach Wilson and Sam Howell. Even if Kelce doesn't play in the game, Mahomes could put up 30 points against the defense throwing to three ball boys.
Patrick Mahomes over 2.5 passing touchdowns (+135 DraftKings)
Mahomes has thrown three touchdown passes in only one game so far, but he should enjoy his best statistical game of the season against this secondary. Justin Fields and Tua Tagovailoa both threw four touchdowns against the Broncos. Wilson could've thrown five if the New York Jets offense wasn't so inept in the red zone.
The Chiefs will have plenty of chances to score in this game, so it's a good time for Mahomes to pad his MVP resume and put up a monster performance on primetime.
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