Ahead of NFL Week 9, Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) gives us a preview on the Titans vs Chiefs.

We’re officially at the midway point of the season with Week 9 upon us. Well, are we really? Things are weird now with the 17th game, but nonetheless, we’re in November and it’s time for the contenders to separate themselves from the pretenders.

 

Tennessee Titans vs Kansas City Chiefs: 8:20pm ET

 

Speaking of separating the contenders from the pretenders, this game is a prime example of just that. If you strictly just look at the records, you’ll see the Titans and Chiefs are both 5-2. However, all records aren’t created equally.

 

Why do I say that?

 

Well, let’s dive into what the Titans have done thus far. After starting off 0-2 with losses to the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills, they’ve won five in a row. None of their wins are against teams with a winning record. In those two losses, the combined score was 62-27.

 

Does that sound like a good team to you?

 

No, but, let me clarify something quickly. I understand how hard it is to win in this league. The saying any given Sunday doesn’t exist for no reason.

 

Having said that, context is appropriate when dissecting certain matchups. For example, the San Francisco 49ers were the top ranked defense before facing the Chiefs, but the quarterbacks they faced prior to Patrick Mahomes were Justin Fields, Geno Smith, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, and Marcus Mariota. Then, Mahomes and company dropped 44 points on their head.

 

A similar situation is going on with the Titans before Sunday’s night game in Kansas City. In their five wins, they’ve faced the likes of Derek Carr, Matt Ryan twice, Carson Wentz, and Davis Mills.

 

Now, it would be different if the Titans were blowing the doors off their opponents, but that hasn’t been the case. Every win has been one possession contests except for the second Colts game where they won 19-10. Also, it’s important to note the Titans haven’t scored more than 24 points once.

 

On the flip side, the Chiefs have displayed dominance in multiple games thus far. They’ve defeated the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and 49ers all by double digits. Scoring 40 plus points in each of those games.

 

Without further ado, let’s dive into the different ways you can bet on this Week 9 showdown with the following NFL odds.

 

·       Spread: The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites, currently with a -12.5 spread.

 

·       Moneyline: You can currently get the Chiefs to win at -625 or the Titans to win at +430.

 

·       Total: As it stands the totals for this game are Over 45.0 (-110) and Under 45.0 (-110)

 

·       Props: Team to score first, first offensive play of the game, will the game go to overtime, and etc.

 

·       Live Betting - Bet on Chiefs vs Titans live, whilst the game is in-play.

*Odds subject to change

 

 

Despite the Chiefs 5-2 record, they’re only 3-4 ATS. Meanwhile, the Titans are among the best ATS at 5.2, but I’m still going with the Chiefs to cover here.

 

At this point, it’s unclear who’s starting under center for Tennessee. Head coach Mike Vrabel is keeping things close to the vest. Veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill practiced Wednesday but didn’t on Thursday.

 

If rookie Malik Willis gets the start, I really love the Chiefs to cover. In his debut, Willis didn’t even throw for 100 yards. To be fair, he didn’t have to considering Derrick Henry ran for over 200 yards. At the same time, it’s easier to stick to the script when you’re facing an inept offense led by Mills.

 

Facing Mahomes is a little bit different and if you get behind early, it’ll become challenging sticking to the run game. Whether Tannehill or Willis starts, the Titans haven’t shown the ability to consistently put-up points. I don’t expect that to change in the loudest stadium in primetime.