Chiefs Vs. Vikings: The Opening Line

Good morning everyone. The losses get tougher as they continue, but there were some signs of life from our boys yesterday and hopefully it will continue. Truthfully, it felt great to have my heart pumping, sweat coming off my forehead and to be genuinely interested in a 4th quarter. Our time is coming, though for all of us the waiting is torturous.

This week, the Minnesota Vikings will be traveling to Arrowhead and two teams looking for their first win will be locking horns. I wondered if they folks in Vegas would overvalue the closeness of our game and/or how they would value the Vikings' performance against the Lions. Well it turns out they are a little bit more impressed with one team in this matchup than the other. Let's find out more in this week's edition of The Opening Line.

Last night, I checked the lines coming of Vegas and saw this game as a PICK'EM but this morning they are calling the opener Minnesota -1 and the total has opened at 40. Hours after the open it is still at -1 in Vegas and -1.5 on some of the offshore websites, so no major signs of immediate early action by the sharp bettors. What this means though in my estimation is that Vegas either a) thinks we are are that bad (since we are at home) or b) thinks enough people will look at the Vikings performance against the Lions and will get enough money to come in on that side. Quite frankly, I think this is a bargain and look forward to betting the Chiefs this week. I can say that with certainty. I love my Chiefs but not enough to kill my bankroll, but I am going on the record as saying we are superior to the Vikings and will win this game.

Let's take a look at some of the recent trends for both teams:

• MINNESOTA is 4-1-1 ATS (against the spread) and 5-1 SU (straight up) in their last 6 games after two or more consecutive losses.
• MINNESOTA is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games in which the total was between 35 and 42.5.
• KANSAS CITY is 6-3 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
• KANSAS CITY is 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games after two or more consecutive losses.
• KANSAS CITY is 2-6 ATS and SU in their last 8 home games in which the total was between 38.5 and 42.5

No real advantages here although Minnesota's record of 5-1 after consecutive losses recently is interesting. Regardless, I still feel strongly about our chances this week. We will need to see more of an opened up passing game like we saw in the second half though as Minnesota has struggled against the pass so far. And obviously, the focus needs to be turned to stopping the always dangerous Adrian Peterson. Who knows what this week of practice will do for either team, but here's to hoping the Chiefs are ready to come back and show the home crowd what they can do. For now, this has been The Opening Line, and whether you are at home, school or work (or anywhere I suppose) have a great day.

@Steve_in_RI