Travis Kelce's injury is impacting the spread for Thursday's Chiefs-Lions game
Travis Kelce's injury this week isn't just impacting what the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive scheme might look like on Thursday night. It's also affecting sportsbooks ahead of the NFL's season kickoff.
Kelce and the defending champion Chiefs were 6.5-point favorites to defeat Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions in Thursday's 2023 season-opening battle. That is, until Tuesday when news broke that Kelce hyperextended his knee during practice.
Now, with his status for Thursday's game up in the air, the line at BetMGM and other major sportsbooks has shifted to 4.5 points. This gives Kansas City a shorter leash to cover the spread in Week 1.
It's not a huge surprise Kelce's health has such an impact on the spread. The veteran tight end recorded 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, topping all tight ends in receiving yards and being second in the league in touchdowns scored. (Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams topped the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns in 2022.) While the Chiefs have their share of offensive weapons to work with, it's clear that losing Kelce takes away some of their scoring prowess.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported early Wednesday that Kelce suffered a bone bruise and that there is no structural damage to his knee. While this is good news for Kelce's long-term health, Rapoport said, it doesn't necessarily clear him to play on Thursday night.
"There was some swelling -- I would say some real, significant swelling that needs to go down in order for him to get back on the field. He's going to be re-assessed today," Rapoport said early Wednesday.
Kickoff for Thursday's season-opener between the Chiefs and the Lions is set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
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