The league's schedule makers generally know what they're doing, so maybe this turns out to be a far more compelling 'Sunday Night Football” affair than it appears to be on the surface — and betcha didn't know the Colts are 2-1 against Patrick Mahomes in the regular season, the loss occurring in overtime last year in Week 12.
Still … Indy was embarrassed at home by the Ravens in its home opener, not the start to the season GM Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen need at a time when it certainly seems like their jobs could be in jeopardy if the Colts miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.
And the scrutiny of their reinvestments in the likes of QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, plus last year's very expensive trade deadline acquisition
of CB Sauce Gardner, almost certainly isn't going to diminish, barring a 12-5 breakthrough or some such. Meanwhile, the Chiefs seemed revitalized by the return of QB Patrick Mahomes and the arrival of RB Kenneth Walker III in Monday night's stunning walkover against the Broncos.
This dynasty is hardly dead, despite last year's disaster, and its offseason pivot to reload the defense with an infusion of young talent during the draft is very reminiscent of the approach in 202 — when the Chiefs eventually won Super Bowl 57.
Chiefs vs Colts odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Chiefs -6.5
- Moneyline: Chiefs -310; Colts +250
- Total: 47.5
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Colts at Chiefs score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Chiefs 30, Colts 20
Patrick Mahomes suffered a major knee injury? We sure about that? The Chiefs destroyed a highly regarded Broncos defense, 31-10, behind a conservative but effective Mahomes and 191 scrimmage yards from reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. The Colts just surrendered 506 yards and 41 points to the Ravens while Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry did whatever they wanted. Why should this look much different against Mahomes and Walker, even with Kansas City playing on a short week? Colts quarterback Daniel Jones looked rusty in his first regular-season action since last year's Achilles injury, completing 19 of 31 passes for only 166 yards with an interception. Steve Spagnuolo's defense should make his night miserable.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chiefs 31, Colts 19
Kansas City's late surge against Indianapolis last season marked the beginning of the end for the Colts, who unraveled by losing their next six games. Sunday's primetime affair might similarly prove to be an inflection point for Shane Steichen and Co. this season. The defense might not be as out of sorts as it was against the Ravens, but Kenneth Walker III and a bit of creativity could have the unit in a blender yet again.
Nate Davis: Chiefs 27, Colts 20
I'd be more concerned by a potential letdown here from the Chiefs if this game wasn't in primetime. And I remain a little leery given the lack of production in the passing game Monday night (crazy to think Gardner was obtained last year so the Colts could fend off top QBs like Mahomes in the postseason). But Walker is also there to reduce the onus on Mahomes as he gets his surgically rebuilt knee underneath him. And though RB Jonathan Taylor will be a major concern, if the reimagined K.C. D can shut down Denver's attack, then it stands to reason Jones and Co. are in trouble.
Richard Morin: Chiefs 26, Colts 20
It's a slightly shortened week for the Chiefs, but not having to travel offsets the one lost day of rest. Kansas City silenced a large number of haters with their decisive victory over the Broncos in Week 1, and they should be in position to control this game against the Colts on Sunday Night Football. I think the Colts will hang around, so unless the spread is showing anything more than a one-score game, I'm backing the Chiefs in Week 2.
Where to watch Colts at Chiefs
- Matchup: Chiefs vs. Colts
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 8:20 p.m.
- Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- TV: NBC, Peacock
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colts at Chiefs: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game
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