Can The Chiefs Keep Covering The Spread In 2018?

One of the biggest stories in the NFL this season has been the emergence of the Kansas City Chiefs as one of the most high-flying and interesting teams in the league. Thanks to a passing attack that has ripped through the competition after two games, the Chiefs are 2-0 both straight up and against the spread. But as the league learns more about the Chiefs game plan, can Andy Reid’s squad continue to cover week in and week out?

If the answer to that question is yes, Patrick Mahomes will be a big reason why. The son of a Major League Baseball pitcher, Mahomes is no stranger to big moments in sports as he grew up around them. He has looked so comfortable despite the chaos around him on each play, which is uncommon for a rookie quarterback, which leads many to believe that this is a sustainable start for the Chiefs.

Home field advantage will also play a role in how the Chiefs perform against the spread this year. The Chiefs have yet to play a home game after two weeks, but know that they will arrive home to one of the loudest crowds in all of sports, not just in the NFL. Those crowds will certainly be a difference maker, although the Chiefs could be favored more heavily than they should be in games as a result of that advantage.

Kansas City has an elite special teams unit to thank for their success as well. With Tyreek Hill available to return punts and kicks, the Chiefs have been able to get their offense started before their offense even has a chance to take the field. Of course, relying on special teams touchdowns might be an argument against the Chiefs’ early success against the spread being something that will continue.

If the Chiefs are to begin faltering against the spread it will have to do with a few factors. First, the changing of the weather. It’s pretty well known among smart bettors that weather isn’t as big a deal as many bettors fear it is. But cold and wind do make it more difficult to throw the ball, while not impossible. Given how pass-happy the Chiefs have been early in the year, they will need to make sure that they are still able to throw the ball in the cold temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium.

Then there is the possibility that lines will be adjusted to compensate for how well the Chiefs have played. With public perception being that the Chiefs are now an elite team, bettors could see inflated lines for the Chiefs as they become heavier and heavier favorites as the season wears on. This is not something that is guaranteed to happen, but is always possible with winning teams.

So can the Chiefs continue their winning ways against the spread? It is certainly possible. The key for bettors, though, is to know when a line for a Chiefs game is too high due to the success that the team has had to this point in the season. Evaluating that can be the difference between being stuck in a difficult bet to win and finding something with better value.