Old AFL divisional rivals commence their annual season series when the Chiefs (formerly the Texans) and Raiders meet for the 124th time Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City is 3-1 this season and leads the AFC West; Las Vegas is 1-3 and bringing up the rear.
Who do we like here for our free LV/KC pick?
NFL Betting Lines
The Week 5 NFL betting odds opened Kansas City at -7.5 for Monday night, with an over/under of right around 52. Early betting action then dipped that line to -7.
Raiders Betting Preview
Las Vegas just picked up its first victory of this season, a 32-23 decision over Denver last week. That game was tied at 10-10 in the second quarter, with the Broncos driving when the Raiders’ defense made the key play of the game, a 68-yard fumble return for a touchdown, helping Vegas take a 19-16 lead into halftime. The Raiders pushed their advantage to 25-16 in the fourth quarter, let Denver get within 25-23 but put the game away with a 75-yard drive to a touchdown.
Las Vegas out-gained the Broncos 385-289, ran the ball 38 times for 212 yards, won the time of possession by a 35:25 split, and didn’t turn the ball over. And that’s how you win games and cover spreads in the NFL.
The Raiders opened this season with a 24-19 loss to the Chargers, and they got out-played that game. Vegas then blew a 20-point halftime lead and lost to Arizona 29-23 in overtime. They then fell down to Tennessee 24-10, pulled to within 24-22 late but couldn’t convert a 2-point conversion and lost.
At 1-3 overall, the Raiders are already in danger of falling out of the picture in the AFC.
Chiefs Betting Preview
Kansas City, meanwhile, is 3-1 on the season after winning at Tampa Bay last week 41-31. The Chiefs turned a takeaway into a touchdown less than a minute into the game, drove three of their next four possessions to touchdowns, and led 28-17 at the half. KC then scored the first 10 points of the second half and eased home from there for the win.
The Chiefs out-gained the Buccaneers 417-376, and almost half the yardage the Kansas City defense allowed came in prevent mode. Kansas City also ran the ball 37 times for 187 yards and dominated time of possession by a 39:21 split.
KC has now out-gained and out-rushed three of its four opponents this season.
The Chiefs opened this season with a 44-21 romp over the Cardinals, then came from behind to beat the Chargers 27-24 but then laid a bit of an egg and lost at Indianapolis 20-17.
At 3-1 overall, Kansas City is right where it should be, atop the AFC West.
Raiders-Chiefs Recent History
Kansas City owns this great old rivalry as of late, winning eight of the last nine meetings SU, going 6-3 ATS in the process. Last year the Chiefs swept the season series from Las Vegas by scores of 41-14, covering at -2.5, and 48-9, covering at -10.
- Get more details: Las Vegas vs. Kansas City MNF Betting Stats
NFL Betting Trends
Home teams are 33-30 SU and 31-31 ATS in the NFL this season.
Favorites are 38-26 SU and 28-35 ATS in the NFL this season.
Teams that out-rush their opponents are 41-23 SU and 40-23 ATS in the NFL this season.
Totals Report
- The totals are split 2-2 in Raiders games this season, which are averaging 49 total points.
- The totals are split 2-2 in Chiefs games this season, which are averaging 56 points.
- The Unders are 39-25 in the NFL this season.
