The Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs close out NFL Sunday in Week 8. On paper the Chiefs have a major edge in the passing department (ranked 1st) over the visiting opponent (ranked 13th) which would likely dictate the victor here. That, and the fact that Kansas City is ranked 4th in Offense to Green Bay’s 17th. However, none of that may mean a thing with KC star QB Patrick Mahomes out with a bad knee. Plus, did you catch Aaron Rodgers performance on Sunday?
Bettors giving weight in historical data should note that the Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Packers, going 7-4-1 (regular and postseason) overall. Green Bay did win the 2019 preseason meeting against Kansas City on August 29 with a final score of 27-20, but it was nothing more than an exhibition. Going into the game, the sportsbook favors Green Bay by 4.5-points while NFL futures like both Green Bay and KC as equal contenders pricing them at +1200 to win the Super Bowl. The Packers are ahead of the pack in their division with -165 odds to take the NFC North, as are the Chiefs in theirs with -500 odds to win the AFC West.
The Packers hosted the Oakland Raiders in Week 7 and beat them 42-24 with an impressive offensive performance. Aaron Rodgers is proving that he’s back in a BIG way. The legend threw 25 of 31 for an amazing 429 yards and 5 touchdowns. Let’s repeat that – 429 yards and 5 TDs in one game! If that wasn’t enough, the all-star quarterback rushed for the other Packers’ TD. Take note that there have only been six performances in league history where a QB has finished with a perfect passer rating along with over 400 yards.More insane, is that Rodgers did it without two-time Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams (toe injury). The Packers have now won three straight games without Adams, showing that distribution to many can sometimes replace the elite production of one. For example, in Adams absence running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have combined to rush for 313 yards and four TDs while pulling down 23 passes for 179 yards and three more scores. Adams is expected to be able to return for Week 8 play (game day decision) but if there is any question about his injury they may hold him off for one more week.
When playing on the road this season, Green Bay is 2-0 against the spread (ATS).
Betting on the Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)
The Chiefs visited the Denver Broncos in Week 7, beating them down 30-06 on their home turf. But the game was not without drama. Former Oregon State star QB Matt Moore was thrust into the spotlight after Patrick Mahomes went down with a dislocated knee. Mahomes is now out for at least 3 more weeks, but the Chiefs may be able to hang in there this midseason as Moore did more than expected, completing 10-of-19 and passing for 117 yards and 1 touchdown. Moore is starting against the Green Bay Packers for Week 8 and to be honest the 35-year old, who is enjoying his 12th NFL season, looks pretty comfortable and poised coming into Sunday. Tyrek Hill, who had 74 yards and 1 TD (thanks to Moore) against the Broncos will be a hot target for the backup quarterback. Take note that Moore was not the QB (Kyle Shurmur was) in the preseason loss to Green Bay as he was signed just before the season.
When playing at home so far this season, Kansas City is 1-2 ATS, covering 33.3% of the time.
Writer’s Prediction
Journeyman Moore will continue to perform but won’t compare to Rodgers MVP level of play with the Chiefs conceding to Green Bay. Packers win 31-23.
