NFL Divisional Round Chiefs vs. Patriots Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
With potential rain and snow in the forecast, now is the time to hop on the under in today's Divisional round matchup between the Chiefs and Patriots.
Oddsmakers from online sports book RealBet.eu currently list the over/under at 43.5 points for today's 4:35PM ET kickoff. The total opened at 44.5, but was bet down a full point. The Patriots are also 5-point favorites versus the Chiefs after the number briefly dropped to 4.5 early Saturday morning.
Why the Under:
The reports from Foxborough is that the area is seeing light rain and snow that should continue through the early part of the game. Given the weather conditions, ESPN is reporting that Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith plans on wearing gloves on both hands for only the second time in his career.
More importantly than Smith's glove decision and even the forecast: How are the Chiefs going to move the ball? Jeremy Maclin (ankle, questionable) reportedly had trouble walking earlier in the week and might now play. Even if he does suit up, how much of an impact will Maclin have in Kansas City's offense?
Bill Belichick often does an excellent job scheming to take away the opposition's best player. With Maclin hobbled, Belichick is likely to turn his attention to tight end Travis Kelce. If Kelce is also blanketed, it'll be difficult for Smith and the Chiefs to pick up yards in chunks and thus limit scoring opportunities.
It's tempting to take the over when the total for a Patriots game is sitting in the low 40s. But New England is banged up as well. Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski are all expected to play, but it's unlikely that all three players are 100-percent. Tom Brady will also play, but he's dealing with a high-ankle sprain himself.
When you factor all of that in, we should see a low-scoring game at Gillette Stadium today.
NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND PLAYOFF FREE PICK: CHIEFS/PATRIOTS UNDER 43.5