Kansas City initially opened as a 6.5-point favorite for their home game against the Lions on Thursday.
However, this line dropped to 4.5 points following news of Travis Kelce’s injury.
Despite Kelce’s potential absence, there are numerous offensive playmakers capable of performing well, given the high game total set at 51.5 at SI Sportsbook.
It’s advisable to keep a close eye on Kelce’s status.
At the moment, it’s wise to be cautious with his player props. Nevertheless, if he does play, consider placing a wager on his anytime touchdown or explore opportunities for discounted receiving yardage bets.
Now, let’s dive into some exciting betting options:
- Patrick Mahomes over 2.5 passing touchdowns (+105) Patrick Mahomes, who has been the Chiefs’ starting quarterback since 2018, has consistently thrown for at least three touchdowns in the first game of the season. SI Sportsbook is offering plus money for him to achieve this feat against the Lions, who allowed the eighth-most passing touchdowns in 2022. Despite the Lions’ defensive additions, betting on Mahomes to shine in a game with a high total like 51.5 seems like a good choice.
- Jahmyr Gibbs over 27.5 receiving yards (-125) The Lions are expected to use their rookie, Jahmyr Gibbs, creatively, particularly in the passing game, especially in the absence of Jameson Williams. Historically, teams targeted running backs against the Chiefs more than any other team in 2022 (152 total targets). This strategy could pay off, as the Chiefs allowed an 82.2% catch rate to opposing running backs, the third-highest in the league.
- Isiah Pacheco over 49.5 rushing yards (-125) Detroit’s defense struggled against opposing runners last season, allowing an average of 100 rushing yards per game. Isiah Pacheco, who took over as the starting running back for Kansas City in Week 10 of the previous season, has a strong track record, surpassing this rushing yardage mark in seven of eight games between Weeks 10-18 in 2022. Despite concerns about his injured shoulder, Pacheco has been cleared for contact and is expected to lead the ground game, with limited competition from Jerick McKinnon, who is likely to have a receiving role.
- Sam LaPorta over 31.5 receiving yards (-120) Sam LaPorta has been a subject of interest throughout the offseason, and there’s no reason to back down now. With Jared Goff at quarterback, LaPorta should see a significant volume of targets. T.J. Hockenson averaged more than six targets per game with the Lions last season, and LaPorta, an early second-round pick from Iowa, received first-team reps throughout the preseason. This suggests he has the potential to surpass the 31.5 receiving yards mark.
