Bovada has released the odds on a few stats for Kansas City Chiefs players and we’ll be bringing them to you over the next few days. Up first is Chiefs QB Alex Smith.
Passing yards: 3,500
Alex has never thrown for 3,500 yards. The closest he came was 3,486 last year. This should be a better year for the Chiefs offense and there are more weapons (in addition to one missing weapon at running back) so I’ll take the OVER. Alex’s yards per attempt has gone from 6.5 in his first year here to 7.4 last year. That will continue to rise.
Touchdown Passes: 20
In his time in KC he’s had 23, 18 and 20 touchdown passes. Even with such an improved offense I would be tempted to take the over. With the way the offense has looked in the preseason, I will take the OVER here. I feel more confident about this one than I do taking the over on passing yards.
Interceptions: 7.5
I’ll take the over here, too. More passing yards and attempts probably means a couple more interceptions. Incredibly, Alex’s career in Kansas City includes season of seven, six and seven interceptions. Isn’t that amazing? I’ll take the OVER here but just barely.
Rushing Yards: 375
Am I being a homer if I go with the OVER again? Alex’s two best seasons in KC - 2013 and 2015 - had over 400 yards rushing. I do believe the number will dip from last year’s 498 rushing yards but not by more than 100 yards. His running is part of what keeps defenses honest. The offensive line will be better this year so I don’t think he will take as many attempts but he’s so effective at choosing when to run. Give me over 400 yards.